First Alert Weather: Wintry mix of rain and ice expected to arrive throughout Western Pa.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- As Western Pennsylvania is getting a taste of winter this morning, from tracking the skies to how your morning commute could be impacted, the KDKA news team has you covered.
Winter weather advisory
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for parts of the region.
With temperatures still below freezing and light precipitation crossing the region, a Winter Weather Advisory has replaced areas that were once under a Ice Storm Warning. An additional glazing of ice could occur through midnight. pic.twitter.com/ouSnJx1tBZ
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) December 16, 2022
Storm impact
JENNERSTOWN, Pa. (KDKA) — First responders spent the morning and afternoon cleaning up parts of western Pennsylvania impacted by Wednesday night's ice storm.
The call was for ice in the areas east and north of Pittsburgh, and that's what happened — taking down trees and causing other issues.
In Fayette County, both lanes of Pennsylvania Route 40 near Uniontown were shut down temporarily after ice-laden power lines were pulled down by a tractor-trailer. A driver also crashed into a utility pole.
It was one of a few incidents and one of many lines taken down by the ice glaze covering much of the area.
The most significant ice accumulation was at the top of Laural Mountain between Laughlintown and Jennerstown.
Power crews and other utilities were busy trying to establish power, cable and phone service to customers in the area. The concern now is the high winds and heavy ice conspiring to potentially make the situation worse.
Crews watching roads as temperatures rise
CRANBERRY, Pa. (KDKA) - In Cranberry Township, roads are still wet and crews are still treating them, but it does seem that the roads have improved with the temperatures in the mid-30s. But it's still a gray, cold and soggy day across most of the region.
Temperatures dropped in the morning to 32 degrees and ice started to form on power lines, trees and poles.
PennDOT said they started pretreating roads Wednesday night with the full fleet out Thursday morning and they'll continue to be out throughout the day.
But even as this system moves on, PennDOT says there are a few key safety measures everyone should take today and throughout the season to stay safe. One is staying informed about the weather and conditions and the other is as easy as giving yourself more time.
" Anytime you see a winter storm coming through, regardless of snow, sleet or ice, give yourself extra time. Don't be in a rush. Give yourself the time to add a little bit of extra travel time to travel destinations. Just to be on the safe side," said Tina Gibbs with PennDOT District 10.
First Alert Forecast
First Alert Weather: Falling temperatures and rain could lead to icy conditions
Rain should be steady from the morning hours through at least 2 p.m.
With freezing rain possible in some areas, travelers are asked to be aware of the outside temperature in their vehicles. If you see temperatures at or below 34° you should be super aware of what is going on around you and with roads.
Icy conditions popping up in Butler Township
BUTLER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - I've been monitoring conditions live all morning from the KDKA Mobile Weather Lab.
Around 6:30 this morning, we stopped in Butler Township where we saw some icy conditions.
Watch my full report below!
Icy conditions in Butler County
A wintry mix is starting to freeze to surfaces in Butler Township.
School closings and delays
A number of area school districts have issued delays or closings due to the inclement weather.
Click here to get the latest closing and delay information for your district.
PennDOT crews ready for incoming ice storm
With a potential ice storm set to impact the area, PennDOT crews and motorists are preparing for whatever Mother Nature throws at us, especially in areas in the eastern part of the Pittsburgh area.
PennDOT can't pretreat roads because of rain but said crews will be out and ready for the ice storm that'll impact the eastern and northern parts of the area. https://t.co/EmIXaPyxZq
— KDKA (@KDKA) December 14, 2022
PennDOT says it's as ready as it can be for the ice storm, but as always, they're asking drivers to avoid driving and give their plow trucks space.