Ligonier, PA – Mountain communities in southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia are bracing for a prolonged snow event that could drop more than 6 inches across higher elevations, threatening travel on steep grades and exposed stretches of highway by Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Storm Watch takes effect late Saturday night and remains in place through late Monday night for the higher elevations of Westmoreland and Fayette counties in Pennsylvania and the ridges of eastern Monongalia, Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia. Forecasters say an extended period of snow is likely, with the heaviest accumulation focused on ridgetops and grassy surfaces from Sunday through Monday.
Across the Laurel Highlands, areas near Donegal, Ligonier and Ohiopyle could see accumulating snow first, while valleys experience lighter totals. In northern West Virginia, communities including Kingwood, Terra Alta, Davis and Canaan Valley face increasing impacts as snow begins sticking to roads and sidewalks Sunday night.
Elevation will make a major difference. Snow totals may vary sharply from valley floors to higher ridges such as Coopers Rock and Canaan Valley, where colder air supports steadier accumulation.
Drivers should prepare for slick mountain roads and limited visibility, especially for the Monday morning commute. Officials urge residents to monitor updates through the weekend, as warnings could replace the watch if snowfall confidence increases.
