Multiple Ice Storm Warnings are in effect across western and central Pennsylvania from Friday, December 26, 2025, until early Saturday, December 27, 2025. Up to 8 mm (0.3 inches) of ice accumulation are forecast to create treacherous travel conditions, power outages, and tree damage.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in State College issued an Ice Storm Warning from 10:00 EST on Friday to 07:00 EST Saturday. Counties include Warren, McKean, Elk, Clearfield, Cambria, and Somerset, covering the Laurel Highlands and western Alleghenies.
Meanwhile, the NWS Pittsburgh issued a warning for the same time period for Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Armstrong, Indiana, and the higher elevations of Westmoreland and Indiana counties.
Another Ice Storm Warning will be in effect for Erie and Crawford counties from 10:00 EST on December 26 to 01:00 EST on December 27.
Icing could begin as early as late morning on December 26, affecting both morning and evening commutes, with hazardous road conditions persisting into the night.
A 6–9 hour period of freezing rain, with total ice accumulations of 2–8 mm (0.1–0.3 inches), is forecast across the warning areas, with higher isolated totals possible in elevated terrain. Minor sleet and snow totals under 25 mm (1 inch) are also possible during the start of the warning period.
The most dangerous conditions are expected Friday afternoon through evening, when freezing rain rates will peak. “Travel could be nearly impossible,” the NWS warned.
Temperatures across the region are forecast to remain near -1 °C (30 °F) through Friday evening before gradually rising above freezing overnight, bringing an end to the event by early Saturday morning.
Residents in affected counties are advised to prepare for potential power disruptions, avoid unnecessary travel in the warning areas.
References:
1 Ice Storm Warning – NWS – December 26, 2025