Sudden Snow Chaos: What Went Down in Pennsylvania?

Friday Afternoon Chaos

Pennsylvania experienced a sudden snow squall on Friday afternoon, causing chaos for over 2 million people.

National Weather Service Warning

• Issued at: 2:45 p.m. ET
• Initial Expiry: 3:15 p.m.
• Extended Until: 4 p.m. (due to worsening conditions)

Impacts

• Heavy snowfall
• Reduced visibility
• Slowed traffic

Safety Advisories

"Stay in your vehicles if caught in the squall. Serious injuries and deaths can occur if you exit your cars."

• Wet roadways freezing quickly
• Black ice formation
• Dangerous driving conditions

Affected Areas

• Central and northeastern Allegheny County
• Northwestern Washington County
• Several other counties

Major Highways Impacted

• Parkway North
• Interstate 79
• Interstate 376
• Pennsylvania Turnpike

Larger Weather System

The snow squall was part of a larger weather system affecting the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, bringing:

• Strong winds
• Gusty conditions
• Plunging temperatures

Commute Warnings

The NWS office in State College, Pennsylvania, warned of:

• Snow showers
• Strong winds
• Potential impact on afternoon and evening commutes

Public Advisories

• Monitor local weather forecasts
• Be prepared to act quickly
• Stay safe during sudden weather changes
• Avoid exiting vehicles during a snow squall