Pgh. Braces For Weather Pummeling: Latest Conditions, Forecast

PITTSBURGH, PA —Road conditions are deteriorating and hundreds of schools and businesses are closed as an onslaught of freezing rain, sleet, ice and snow begins to pummel Pittsburgh. The region remains under a winter storm warning until 10 a.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service says the Pittsburgh area can expect ice accumulations of up to a quarter of an inch, which likely will render travel difficult to nearly impossible. The ice will be followed by up to three inches of snow before the storm exits the area.

The weather service warns that the ice likely will cause downed trees and power outages today.

PennDOT has reduced the speed limit on I-376 westbound to 45 mph and restricted commercial vehicles to the right lane only for the duration of the storm. Further speed restrictions are likely on state roads.

Most school districts have canceled in-person instruction for the day, including the Pittsburgh Public Schools, which has switched to online learning.

Allegheny County public workers director Stephen Shanley said that 32 salt trucks will be on the road Thursday. Shanley said the trucks will provide continuous coverage until the precipitation stops and all county maintained roads are clear.

The city of Pittsburgh will have approximately 60 trucks clearing the streets during the day and about 40 on overnight shifts. trucks during the day. Park crews will hand-clear steps, sidewalks, and bridges.

The city has warned that due to the icy conditions, trucks could need to back up steep streets to provide service, as opposed to traveling downhill. This is done for the safety of the drivers but may
lengthen the time it takes to clear side streets.

“Throughout this winter weather event, I want to urge all Pittsburghers to stay home if possible,” Mayor Ed Gainey said in a statement. “The freezing rain, then ice, then snow is the worst combination for road conditions. If you must, drive slowly and leave space for our
salt trucks to work."

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