Meadville, Pennsylvania – Drivers across northwest Pennsylvania may face dangerous travel conditions Friday as a wintry mix transitions to freezing rain, raising concerns for icy roads and potential power outages in Crawford and southern Erie counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening for areas including Meadville, Titusville, Union City, Corry, and Edinboro. Snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch are possible, along with ice buildup approaching a quarter inch, especially south of I-90 and east of I-79.
The system is expected to arrive Friday morning as a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain before shifting to mostly freezing rain by early afternoon. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads are likely to become slick quickly, making travel difficult throughout the day. The Friday evening commute could be particularly hazardous as freezing rain continues before tapering Friday night.
Ice accumulation on trees and power lines may lead to scattered power outages, especially in rural areas. Local emergency officials urge residents to prepare for possible disruptions and to avoid non-essential travel if conditions deteriorate.
Motorists who must be on the roads should slow down, increase following distance, and carry a winter emergency kit. Residents are encouraged to closely monitor updates from the National Weather Service, as the watch could be upgraded if confidence increases in more significant icing.
