Pittsburgh Weather: Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Western Pennsylvania On Christmas Eve
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for much of the Pittsburgh area from Christmas Eve through Christmas Day.
NWS Pittsburgh says from 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Friday, most of southwestern Pennsylvania will be under a Winter Weather Advisory, with a total of 4 to 6 inches of snow expected.
Valid 5 PM Thursday through 2 PM Friday: A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for most locations, and a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the eastern ridges. pic.twitter.com/YLT22ZsZI1
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) December 23, 2020
In the ridges, there could be upwards of 8 inches. There's a Winter Storm Watch in effect there from the same time Christmas Eve to Christmas Day.
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KDKA Meteorologist Kristin Emery says temperatures remain mild tonight in the warm sector of an approaching storm system. That system will bring rain overnight into the first half of Thursday.
We could see up to 1 inch of rain across the region before a potent cold front follows through and changes the rain over to snow, starting late Thursday afternoon and continuing into Christmas.
Most areas will see a quick temperature drop Thursday evening, leading to possible icy roadways, followed by 4-6 inches of snow and higher amounts in the mountains. Bitter cold air follows with lows in the teens the next few nights to start the weekend.
Both Allegheny County Public Works and PennDOT say they will likely not be able to pretreat roads because this storm will begin with rain. However, road crews will be out once the snow begins to fall.
They are advising people to slow down and use extra caution if you do have to travel.
PennDOT offers these tips for winter driving:
• Slow down and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
• Turn on your headlights.
• Stay in your lane.
• Increase your following distance.
• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
• Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.
• Use defroster and wipers.
• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
They are encouraging people to stay home and off the roads so the road crews can do their jobs.
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