Pittsburgh, PA – A major winter storm is set to impact a wide swath of the Ohio Valley beginning Saturday afternoon, with heavy snowfall expected across parts of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday. Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are forecast, with locally higher totals possible where persistent snow bands develop.
The warning includes Washington, Greene, Westmoreland, and Fayette counties in Pennsylvania, parts of Belmont, Noble, and Monroe counties in Ohio, and much of northern West Virginia, including Monongalia, Preston, Tucker, Marion, Marshall, and Wetzel counties. Higher elevations, such as Laurel Highlands, Canaan Valley, Ohiopyle, and eastern Tucker County, are especially vulnerable to heavier snowfall.
Forecasters warn that roads, bridges, and overpasses will become slick and hazardous, making travel very difficult, particularly Saturday evening and overnight. Sudden drops in visibility are possible as heavier snow bands move through the region.
Officials strongly urge residents to delay all non-essential travel. Those who must be outdoors should dress in layers and cover exposed skin to reduce the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Drivers who cannot avoid travel are advised to use extreme caution, leave extra space between vehicles, and allow significantly more time to reach their destinations.
Snow is expected to gradually ease Sunday afternoon, but hazardous road conditions may linger even after snowfall ends.
Residents are encouraged to report snowfall totals directly to the National Weather Service to assist with ongoing forecasting.
