Snow Threat Prompts Pittsburgh To Ask Residents To Work From Home

PITTSBURGH, PA — City officials are asking any residents who can to work from home on Friday due to a winter storm in which as much as six inches of snow could fall.

“Residents staying off the roadways as much as possible will help the Department of Public works crews clear the roads as quickly as possible," Mayor Ed Gainey said in a statement Thursday. "If it’s possible to stay at home, please do so. If you stay home be mindful where you park your vehicle so crews can clear your neighborhood streets."

Workers will begin pre-treating roads beginning tonight and crews will work through the conclusion of the storm. A Winter Weather Advisory for the Pittsburgh area begins at 1 a.m. on Friday and runs until 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The National Weather Service expects the snow to begin falling at around 2 a.m. in the Pittsburgh area.

The Department of Public Works will start on the main roadways before moving through neighborhood secondary roadways. Priority will be given to streets that will allow access to hospitals, schools and public safety facilities.

Residents should be aware that it takes 24 hours after the snow has stopped to treat all city streets. However, if their street has not been cleared within 24 hours after the snow has stopped, they should contact the city's 311 number.

Refuse collection is still scheduled for Friday and Saturday, but crews will start later to allow the opportunity for snow removal on their routes.