Winter Weather — Mercer, Pennsylvania

2012-02-25 · Mercer, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

Mercer county emergency manager reported that interstate 79 was closed in both directions due to a multi-vehicle accident. At least 40 vehicles were involved in the crash with 20 individuals transported to local hospitals.

Wider weather episode

A strengthening low pressure system crossed the upper Ohio Valley and Great Lakes on the 24th. Strong cold air advection and a tightening pressure gradient brought strong winds and snow showers and squalls to much of northwestern Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Snow amounts generally ranged from 2-4 inches, with the highest amounts north in Mercer, Venango, and Forest counties. Intense snow squalls and gusty winds caused periods of white-out conditions along interstates 79 and 80 resulting multi-vehicle accidents during the daylight hours Saturday. Four fatalities and numerous injuries were reported in these accidents which closed both lanes of both interstates for many hours.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 362533. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.