The National Weather Service has issued an urgent Winter Storm Watch for sections of central and western Pennsylvania, telling residents to brace themselves for heavy snow, strong winds, near-blizzard conditions, and dangerously low wind chills beginning Friday morning and extending through Saturday morning.
Multiple National Weather Service offices, including State College and Pittsburgh, issued the notice as a powerful Arctic front approached the region. Forecasters warn that circumstances might swiftly deteriorate, particularly in higher elevations.
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Counties Under the Winter Storm Watch
The watch affects Cambria and Somerset counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Westmoreland and Fayette counties’ higher elevations. These places include parts of the Laurel Highlands and Allegheny Mountains, where heavy snowfall and high winds are likely to exacerbate conditions.
Forecast Details
According to the National Weather Service:
- Snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible in Cambria and Somerset Counties, with locally higher amounts up to 6 inches on ridgetops and summits.
- In higher elevations of western Pennsylvania, 3 to 6 inches of snow is expected, with isolated higher totals possible.
- Wind gusts could reach 45 to 50 mph, with some exposed ridges experiencing even stronger gusts.
- Visibility may drop below one-quarter mile at times due to falling and blowing snow, creating near-whiteout conditions.
Dangerous Cold and Blizzard-Like Conditions
Forecasters anticipate near-blizzard conditions, especially on Friday night and early Saturday. Blowing and drifting snow can render open and elevated roads inaccessible. In addition, wind chills are forecast to drop significantly, reaching 20 to 30 degrees below zero in some areas.
Frostbite and hypothermia can develop in less than 30 minutes at these temperatures, putting anyone outside without proper protection at risk.
Travel and Safety Concerns
The storm may have a considerable impact on Friday evening traffic due to quickly shifting visibility and hazardous roads. Officials warn that travel might become dangerous and potentially fatal, especially at higher elevations and in rural regions. Strong winds may also cause downed power lines and periodic power outages.
