Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for ridge communities of southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia, with freezing drizzle and snow expected to impact travel overnight into Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the advisory runs from 3 a.m. tonight through 3 p.m. Wednesday as a cold front moves through the region. Light rain this evening is forecast to transition to freezing rain or freezing drizzle overnight, followed by periods of light snow into Wednesday.
Forecasters expect light ice accumulations, ranging from a glaze to a few hundredths of an inch, along with up to 1 to 3 inches of snow in the higher elevations. The most significant impacts are expected on ridges and elevated roadways, where colder surface temperatures will allow ice to form more readily.
Road conditions may deteriorate quickly, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads. Travel along major corridors including Interstate 70 near the Laurel Highlands, Interstate 79 south of Pittsburgh, and Interstate 68 near Morgantown could become slick during the overnight hours and into the Wednesday morning commute.
The National Weather Service warned that even light ice accumulation can significantly reduce traction, increasing the risk of accidents. Motorists traveling early Wednesday are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution on elevated surfaces.
While snowfall totals are expected to remain modest, the combination of ice and snow may lead to localized hazardous travel conditions before temperatures gradually improve later Wednesday afternoon.
Residents and commuters in advisory areas should monitor updated forecasts and road conditions and be prepared for changing travel conditions through midweek.
