Johnstown, Pennsylvania – Dangerous Arctic cold continues to grip the Laurel Highlands early Saturday, placing residents in Cambria and Somerset counties at risk from life-threatening wind chills during the morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. EST Saturday for Cambria and Somerset counties. Wind chills have dropped as low as 25 below zero, with values near 20 below creating conditions where frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
The cold is impacting communities including Johnstown, Somerset, Windber, Boswell, and surrounding higher terrain, where elevation and persistent winds are intensifying the chill. Early-morning travel, outdoor work, and time spent waiting for transportation pose increased danger without proper winter protection. Vehicles may also struggle in the extreme cold, increasing risks for motorists across the region.
Emergency officials urge residents to remain indoors until conditions improve. Anyone who must go outside is advised to dress in multiple layers, cover all exposed skin, and wear hats, gloves, and scarves to reduce heat loss. Checking on elderly neighbors and those with limited heating is also encouraged.
Wind chills are expected to slowly improve later this morning as temperatures rise and winds ease. However, officials caution that cold weather hazards may persist beyond the warning, and residents should continue monitoring updates in case additional advisories are issued.
