Snow Moves In, Creating Conditions For Tricky Morning Commute
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Snow has returned and most everyone is seeing accumulations.
"This storm is starting to live up to the advanced billing now," KDKA Meteorologist Dennis Bowman said during the 11 p.m. KDKA-TV News. "It's settling in pretty good, some areas getting a couple of inches of snow in just the last hour. Vipir Weather Radar showing that snow washing right across the area.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 11 a.m. Thursday for the following counties:
Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Greene, Jefferson and Washington.
Bowman says we can expect 2-4 inches by morning with another inch possible on Thursday. That would put Pittsburgh a 3-5 range total.
The heaviest snow is expected to fall late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 7 p.m. Thursday for Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland counties.
The Laurel Highlands will be the worst hit locally with up to 6 inches of snow possible.
"Winter Storm Warning for Indiana, Westmoreland, Fayette and down across the Mason Dixon Line, to Preston and Tucker and also into Garrett County, Maryland. Winter Weather Advisory for slick traveling conditions elsewhere across Western Pennsylvania, including the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area," Bowman said.
"Allow extra time for travel," Bowman added. "The snow accumulates through 4 o'clock in the morning and we're looking for a general 2-4 inches of snow to be in play here for the morning rush hour, 4-8 inches east and southeast of the city. Some of those higher ridgetops where you could get the 10 inches of accumulation."
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PennDOT crews are out across our region spreading salt. A new shift came in at midnight and will work through the morning rush.
"We've had a couple of events that were several inches, but not to this extent. If it turns out to be 4 to 6 inches, i\It'll be the biggest snow we've had in this part of the region," said PennDOT's Steve Cowan.
KDKA's David Highfield Reports:
With the mild winter we've had, PennDOT says there's no worries about supplies. There's no shortage of salt.
Crews were already loaded up and out on the road before the snow started falling in Beaver County. And even with everything that's been done to clear the roads while we sleep tonight, PennDOT is advising people if they can, to leave a little early in the morning.
In the city of Pittsburgh, the Public Works Department spent the day gearing up for a Level 2 Snow Alert. Starting around 10 p.m., officials say a range of 50-65 vehicles will be deployed throughout the city overnight.
With temperatures expected to drop below freezing, salt loads are being treated with liquid calcium chloride to make the salt more effective in lower temperatures. Vehicles are also being equipped with plows and tire chains.
Meanwhile, people in Westmoreland County spent the afternoon stocking up on snow supplies.
KDKA's Ross Guidotti Reports:
Shoppers who ventured out to the Walmart in Hempfield Township were well aware of what may be on the way, so they were stocking up.
"I have four bags of groceries," said shopper Robin Auckerman.
Equally as important will be where the rubber hits the road.
"My tires are good to go," said Auckerman. "My husband makes sure my car's good to go, so we're safe."
Over at Bortz Hardware, the news of snow is making them very happy. The last two winters have been lackluster and it has hurt their business.
"You notice," said Heather Foster, a hardware store employee. "I noticed in my personal life snowboarding and I notice here working. It definitely takes a toll. That's what keeps us busy this time of year. I think a lot of people are feeling it that are in the winter industries."
So, for now, it's by the salt, wait to see how much falls, and try to make the best of it.
"We have plenty of goods in the pantry; I don't think will starve," said shopper Lawrence Payne, of Greensburg.
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