Slammed With Snow, Western Pa. Braces for Deep Freeze

A historic winter storm has left its mark on the region, and now Western Pa. braces for a deep freeze of dangerous proportions.

The weekend blizzard shattered records, dumping over a foot of snow across much of Allegheny County and Westmoreland County, with some northern communities seeing nearly 20 inches.

The primary threat has now shifted from heavy snow to extreme cold.

Meteorologists have issued an extreme cold warning as an arctic blast sends temperatures plummeting.

Wind chills are expected to plunge to a life-threatening -15 to -25 degrees.

Officials are warning that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in a matter of minutes at these temperatures.

The record snowfall prompted widespread school closures and brought commerce to a standstill, shuttering businesses and government offices.

PennDOT crews continue to work on clearing roads, but authorities are still urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

This week-long stretch of frigid weather will keep the region locked in an icy grip.