Winter Weather — Venango, Pennsylvania

2012-02-25 · Venango, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

Venango county emergency management reported several multiple vehicle accidents along interstate 80 in both directions between exits 29 and 42, Barkeyville to Emlenton due to white out conditions. 70 vehicles were involved in the crashes with the largest crash involving 28 vehicles, both cars and tractor trailers. There were 3 fatalities and at least 6 people transported to the hospital.

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 362534. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.