NWS Issues Significant Ice Storm Warning, Tells Residents Not To Travel
It might be the holidays, but the winter weather is not taking any time off. Several portions of the United States are expected to get slammed with heavy snow over the weekend.
At the same time, areas of Pennsylvania and some parts of Maryland are under an "Ice Storm Warning" with "significant" icing on the way, the National Weather Service announced Friday.
Two areas under alert until early Saturday morning
According to the NWS Baltimore/Washington, D.C. bureau, Eastern Garrett and extreme western Allegany Counties in Maryland are under an "Ice Storm Warning" until 1 a.m. Saturday.
The NWS Cleveland office issued a similar warning and timeframe for Crawford and Southern Erie Counties in northwestern Pennsylvania.
".Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations between two tenths and three tenths of an inch," the NWS warns.
Roads and bridges are expected to be slick and hazardous due to the sleet and snow, with power outages and tree damages "likely" because of ice. Travel could also be "nearly impossible."
"The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel," the NWS added.
Other parts will be impacted for longer
In western Pennsylvania, the NWS Pittsburgh and State College outposts issued "Ice Storm Warnings" starting at 10 a.m. this morning and running until 7 a.m. Saturday.
Among the areas affected by the alert are Warren, McKean, Elk, Clearfield, Cambria, Somerset, Clarion, Venango, Forest and Jefferson Counties. Once again, "significant" icing is expected, in addition to snow and sleet.
"Persons should delay all travel if possible," the NWS says. "If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order."
To look at the entire NWS map to see which parts of the country are bracing for what weather, click here.