More than 2 million people in Pennsylvania were warned of a life-threatening situation when a snow squall developed on Friday afternoon.
The warning was issued at 2:45 p.m. ET and was in place for central and northeastern Allegheny County, northwestern Washington County, northwestern Westmoreland County, southern Armstrong County, southwestern Indiana County, northeastern Columbiana County, Butler County, northern Beaver County and southern Lawrence County. Originally, the warning was set to expire by 3:15 p.m., but a new warning was recently issued that will remain in place until 4 p.m.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Liana Lupo told Newsweek that the snow squalls were causing heavy snow rates, reduced visibilities and slowed traffic. The warning urged people to remain in their vehicles and stressed dire consequences should they exit their cars if caught in a snow squall.
“Serious injuries and deaths may result from people exiting their vehicles during a snow squall,” NWS Pittsburgh said in the warning. “Drivers may not be able to see you or stop! If you have been involved in an accident or pulled to the side of the roadway, quickly exit your vehicle and move as far away from the roadway as possible ONLY when it is safe to do so. Do not stand along or near the roadway, since approaching vehicles may be unable to maintain control.”
In addition to severely limited visibility because of sudden whiteout conditions, the warning also emphasized that “wet roadways will quickly freeze.”
“Black ice will cause roads, bridges and overpasses to become slick and dangerous. Slow down and be prepared for sudden loss of traction,” the warning said.
Impacted highways include Parkway North between mile markers 10 and 13, Interstate 79 between mile markers 68 and 102, Interstate 376 between mile markers 19 and 40, the Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 1 and 44, Parkway North between mile markers 1 and 9, I-79 between mile markers 53 and 67, I-376 between mile markers 57 and 84, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 45 and 61.
The sudden snow squall comes as strong winds whipped across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic on Friday, prompting stormy, gusty conditions. Although the warnings were in place for a short amount of time, additional warnings are possible, as the NWS office in State College, Pennsylvania, warned that snow showers, strong winds and plunging temperatures could affect the afternoon and evening commute.
People in the impacted areas were urged to monitor the forecasts from their local weather office and be prepared to act quickly.