Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Drivers along Interstate 80 and the higher ridges of western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia could encounter snow-covered roads and visibility reduced to under 500 feet through the Thursday morning commute as upslope snow showers intensify.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, persistent upslope flow will generate bands of snow through at least midday Thursday, with total accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and localized totals nearing 4 inches along west-facing slopes. The highest impacts are expected in Mercer, Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson and Butler counties, as well as the higher elevations of Westmoreland, Fayette and Indiana counties. Eastern Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia, including Canaan Valley, could also see steady bursts of snow.
Roadways including I-80, Route 422, Route 219 and elevated stretches of Route 30 may become snow-covered at times overnight. PennDOT and WVDOH crews are expected to treat priority routes, but moderate bursts could quickly coat bridges and untreated secondary roads. Motorists should slow down, allow extra braking distance and avoid sudden lane changes, especially across ridge tops near Ligonier, Donegal and Terra Alta.
Light snow showers may also drift north of Allegheny County, including parts of Armstrong and Lawrence counties, though heavier accumulations will stay confined to higher terrain.
Snow intensity should taper by Thursday afternoon, but slick spots could linger where temperatures remain near freezing. Additional advisories may be issued if bands persist longer than expected.
