State College, Pennsylvania – Snow will steadily coat mountain roads across western Pennsylvania through Thursday, with up to 5 inches expected along Laurel Ridge and slick travel developing by nightfall.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, deepening cold air combined with upslope flow will generate persistent light snow from late Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening. Most areas along and east of the Route 219 corridor will see snowfall rates near one-quarter inch per hour, while heavier bursts up to one-half inch per hour are likely in the higher elevations of Somerset County and northern Warren County.
Total accumulation over the 24 to 30 hour stretch will range from 1 to 2 inches in lower valleys near Clearfield, Elk and Cambria counties, with 4 to 5 inches possible along the crest of Laurel Ridge, including ski areas near Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. Parts of Warren and McKean counties in the perennial snowbelt could also approach the higher totals.
Routes 219, 6 and 422 may become snow-covered overnight as temperatures drop into the upper teens and low 20s. PennDOT crews will treat primary roads, but cold pavement temperatures could allow snow to accumulate quickly, especially on bridges and untreated secondary roads.
Snow will gradually diminish late Thursday, though icy patches may persist into Thursday night. Additional advisories could be issued if heavier bands develop along the ridges.
