Winter Storm Warning As 15 Inches of Snow Set to Strike

Winter storm warnings have been issued for several parts of the U.S., with residents and travelers in impacted areas told to prepare for up to 15 inches of snow and strong winds, expected from Sunday through to Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). 

States particularly affected include Pennsylvania/West Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, and Alaska. 

Parts of western Pennsylvania, including Ambridge, Beaver Falls, Lower Burrell, and the higher elevations of Westmoreland, and areas in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, including Weirton, Moundsville, Fairmont, and Donegal, could see up to 12 inches of snow, coupled with 35 to 45 mph winds through Sunday, and possibly into early Monday morning in some places.

Parts of central, southeast, southern, and western West Virginia—including the cities of Hurricane, Point Pleasant, and Teays Valley—are expected to get up to 2 inches of accumulated snow by Sunday afternoon.

Areas within central, northern, and southern New Jersey could get between 4 and 6 inches of snow until Sunday afternoon, making travel “very difficult.” 

Western Garrett County in Maryland could see between 4 and 8 inches of snow—with up to 10 inches in the far western parts of the county—and 35 mph wind gusts until Sunday afternoon. This could cause blowing snow, reducing visibility to around a quarter of a mile, making travel difficult—especially along the I-68 and US-40, west of Big Savage Mountain.

Residents in the city of Hyder should expect between 11 to 14 inches of snow to fall overnight Saturday, through Sunday, and into Monday morning. 

Admiralty Island, eastern Chichagof Island, and the city and borough of Juneau could get up to 12 inches of snow through Sunday, into Monday, with winds as high as 60 mph expected to blast downtown parts of Juneau.

The borough of Petersburg, western Kupreanof Island, and Kuiu Island should brace themselves for between 8 and 15 inches of snow and 40 mph winds until Monday morning.

The NWS for Pittsburgh gave this warning: “Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.”

The NWS for West Virginia said: “Persons should consider delaying all travel. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511 or by accessing the online traffic and roadway portal for your state.”

The NWS for Alaska said: “Travel will be very difficult and is discouraged unless it is an emergency.”

People in affected areas should keep a close eye on local weather forecasts for updates.