Indiana, Pennsylvania –
Communities across western Pennsylvania and the higher elevations of the Laurel Highlands could face dangerous winter conditions this weekend as a major snow event develops, following lingering snow and ice early Thursday that is already impacting travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through Thursday morning for parts of northwest and western Pennsylvania, where up to an additional inch of snow and a light glaze of ice are possible. Gusty winds up to 45 mph may bring down tree branches and create localized power issues during the morning and evening commutes.
Attention then turns to a Winter Storm Watch in effect from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon. Moderate to heavy snow is expected across Mercer, Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, and Indiana counties, along with the higher elevations of Westmoreland and Fayette counties. Communities including Indiana, Punxsutawney, Sharon, Grove City, Clarion, Ligonier, Ohiopyle, and Donegal could see periods of intense snowfall that make roads slick or impassable.
Eastern Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia, including Canaan Valley and Davis, are also included and may see some of the most severe conditions due to elevation. Travel late Sunday into Monday morning could become very difficult to impossible.
Residents are urged to complete preparations early, avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, and monitor updates closely. Additional warnings are likely as confidence in snowfall intensity increases, with hazardous conditions potentially lingering into Monday afternoon.
