Hazelton, PA – Commuters in the higher elevations of southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia are bracing for a significant winter blast as a heavy snow system is set to arrive Friday morning and linger through early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the mountain ridges of Westmoreland, Fayette, and Indiana counties, extending into the northern West Virginia panhandle. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches are expected, with isolated higher amounts possible along the highest ridgetops. Wind gusts up to 45 mph will likely create blowing snow and drastically reduced visibility, with whiteout conditions potentially dropping sightlines below a quarter-mile at times.
The hazardous weather is timed to directly impact the Friday evening commute, making travel on mountain passes like Route 30 and Route 40 exceptionally difficult. Local agencies, including PennDOT and the West Virginia Department of Transportation, may implement speed restrictions or commercial vehicle bans if conditions deteriorate as expected. Drivers in cities like Kingwood, Ligonier, and Thomas are urged to complete essential travel before Friday afternoon and to carry a winter emergency kit containing blankets and flashlights. The heaviest snowfall and strongest winds are anticipated to peak late Friday night before tapering off by Saturday morning.
Five Day Forecast for Hazelton, PA
• Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy and cold with a low of 14°F.
• Thursday: Partly sunny with a high of 26°F; turning cloudy overnight with a low of 18°F.
• Friday: Heavy snow and windy conditions; visibility falling during the afternoon with a high of 25°F.
• Saturday: Lingering snow showers in the morning, becoming partly sunny and breezy with a high of 18°F.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and frigid with a high of 22°F.
