Winter Weather Alerts Issued Ahead Of Approaching Winter Storm
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The storm that's expected to pummel parts of the East Coast during the first part of the weekend is slowly making its way in our direction.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather alerts across the state of Pennsylvania as well as for areas in West Virginia ahead of this winter storm.
A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for Allegheny, Indiana, Washington and parts of Westmoreland counties from 4 p.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Saturday.
Over in Greene, Fayette, Somerset and other parts of Westmoreland counties, there's a Winter Storm Warning starting at 1 p.m. Friday through 1 a.m. Sunday.
KDKA Chief Meteorologist Jeff Verszyla says he sees no issues with either of Friday's rush hour commutes in the Pittsburgh area. He says most of the accumulation will happened during the overnight hours.
"That's when I think most of us that are going to get snow will see a good bit of our accumulation, overnight Friday into first thing on Saturday morning," Verszyla said.
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Verszyla says from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 p.m. Saturday, the Pittsburgh area could see as much as 3 to 4 inches with only about an inch falling further north in the Butler area and in parts of Beaver County.
"There's going to be a very sharp cut off to the snow as we head into [Friday] night and on Saturday," said Verszyla. "That line is probably going to come in near or right around Route 422. So, New Castle, Butler and Kittanning may not see a lot in the way of anything of snowfall."
Headed south though, along Interstate 70 in the areas of Washington, Pennsylvania, and Greensburg, Westmoreland County, 4 to 6 inches is predicted.
Meanwhile, Fayette County and northern areas of West Virginia can expect the most snowfall with 7 to 10 inches predicted. West Virginia University has already said they plan to close down on Friday and Saturday.
Verszyla says the snow showers will end by mid-day in and around Pittsburgh. For counties to the east, like Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland, he says it take a little longer to end, but it should be out by mid- to late-afternoon.
"Areas south will get hit much harder," Verszyla said. "The snow showers will do a quick pivot as the storm system begins to work its way off shore Saturday afternoon and snow showers will come to an end first for areas in and around Pittsburgh and last for areas east where it's going to be a little bit more prolonged into the day on Saturday."
Officials are asking people in the areas that will be hardest hit to begin making preparations. Meanwhile, they are also warning about hazardous travel conditions once the snow moves in.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on the snow storm.
