Watch CBS News

School Delays Announced Early In Anticipation Of Bitter Cold Temperatures

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Some big school districts in our area have already called two-hour delays for Thursday morning, including Pittsburgh Public, Gateway, Plum and Penn Hills.

The Penn Hills High School Winter Concert went on as planned Wednesday night with everyone already aware of the delay in the morning.

"I think it's a great idea just because with the temperatures, and the way they're going to be," said Rochelle Cherry, who's the mother of a high school student. "Just to keep the kids safe and away from frostbite."

In a statement, the district addressed the delay, stating in part:

"The temperature call is a hard one, especially when there is a significant wind chill. We have to be concerned whether delaying two hours makes a significant difference in regard to changing temperature."

Meantime at the People's Gas Holiday Market in Market Square, shopkeepers are doing their best to stay warm.

"They do provide us with heaters, so most of us pretty much stand over them," said Alison Brougher, owner of Euro Haus.

But with frigid temps expected, came the announcement that some shops may close early Thursday at 2 p.m.

However, Brougher says she's undecided about closing since a cold spell a few years ago left her with big business.

"I was so busy I couldn't close!" she said.

And on the subject of increased business, customers are now buying everything from ice melters, to shovels, to space heaters at Rollier's Hardware in Mount Lebanon.

"When it becomes cold this early, there's a lot of people who think ahead," said owner Doug Satterfield. "We've seen a big influx of customers the last few days."

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.