Southwest Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia – Hazardous travel conditions are expected overnight across higher elevations of southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia as a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect into early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the advisory continues until 6 a.m. EST Saturday for the higher elevations of Westmoreland, Fayette, and Indiana counties in Pennsylvania, along with Preston County and the ridges of eastern Monongalia and northwestern Preston counties in West Virginia. Forecasters expect total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches, with the greatest amounts occurring in elevated terrain.
Wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour are contributing to blowing snow and reduced visibility, particularly along ridge tops and exposed roadways. Snow-covered and slick roads are expected to make travel difficult at times, especially overnight and during the early-morning hours.
Travel impacts are most likely along U.S. Route 40, U.S. Route 119, Pennsylvania Route 31, and West Virginia Route 26, as well as secondary mountain roads serving communities such as Donegal, Champion, Ohiopyle, Ligonier, Armagh, Kingwood, and Bruceton Mills. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads may become hazardous as snow continues to accumulate.
The National Weather Service notes that the hazardous conditions affected the Friday evening commute and may continue to impact early Saturday travel, particularly for residents in higher elevations and rural areas where road treatment may be delayed.
Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra travel time. Visibility may change quickly where snow bands intensify or winds increase.
For early-shift workers, emergency responders, and weekend travelers, the most challenging conditions are expected before daybreak, with gradual improvement possible later Saturday morning as snowfall tapers off.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local road conditions and submit snow reports to the National Weather Service as conditions evolve across the region.
