Get ready to make that milk and bread run.
A significant and potentially messy winter storm is heading for Southwestern Pennsylvania this weekend from the Midwest, with some forecasters predicting snowfall of up to 7 inches.
The National Weather Service says a strong low-pressure system is advancing and will spread moisture over the area.
Forecasters are calling for the system to arrive Saturday night and last into Monday with mixed precipitation accompanied by snow showers. The chances for snow are 70% on Saturday night, 80% on Sunday and 70% on Sunday night and Monday.
Some areas could see some mixed precipitation and freezing rain.
PennDOT is anticipating the implementation of statewide travel restrictions Sunday, and urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
The potential is increasing for an impactful winter storm across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast early next week. Uncertainties remain with respect to the evolution and track of this system which could result in significant shifts in snowfall accumulations. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/ohCdUbyGs0
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 29, 2021
Pat Herald, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Moon Township, said the timing of the storm will determine the amount of snow accumulation for the area.
“There could be areas of heavy snow, most likely in the ridge areas. What happens with these is a low-pressure system will spread warm air northward. What that does primarily is degrade snowfall efficiency,” Herald said. “So, the system will start out as snow, then it becomes sleet and possibly freezing rain.”
Once the low pressure system slides by the area, that could turn any precipitation back to snow, according to Herald.
“All this is going to hinge on the exact low-pressure track. For example, if the low pressure shifts southward, as it’s looking like it might do in this instance, then you won’t get that mixed precipitation in Pittsburgh, the southern track will bring cold air and it will just end up being more of a snow event in the Pittsburgh area,” Herald said.
PennDOT expects numerous highways will be under Tier 1 travel restrictions, which prohibit tractors without trailers, tractors with empty trailers, RVs, motorcycles and buses without chains or other traction devices.
The only Western Pennsylvania highway likely to be affected is I-70. The department announced likely restrictions for the following roads:
- I-70 between the Pennsylvania Turnpike in New Stanton and the Maryland state line.
- I-80 between Interstate 81 and the New Jersey state line.
- The entire length of Interstates 78, 81, 83, 84 and 380.
Restrictions could change or more roads could be added depending on the weather. Up-to-date information will be available at 511pa.com.
Paul Guggenheimer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at 724-226-7706 or pguggenheimer@triblive.com.
Source Article from https://triblive.com/local/regional/winter-storm-headed-toward-western-pa-with-up-to-7-inches-of-snow/
Comments