An unidentified truck driver was critically injured in an accident this morning that closed part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike for a time between New Castle and Cranberry. The road has since reopened.

At least one other motorist was taken to a hospital after the accident that state police said was caused by icy road conditions.

Bands of snow moving across Western Pennsylvania overnight and into the morning have caused some slick spots in many areas, putting the skids on the commute.

Commuter traffic traveling east on the turnpike between the New Castle and Cranberry were forced to detour to Route 60 north, Route 422 east and Interstate 79 south.

The accident occurred when a flatbed truck, hauling parts for heavy industry transmissions, skidded into a tri-axel dump truck. A passenger car ahead of the trucks also was struck, and a mini van behind them was unable to avoid the pile-up, the turnpike spokesman said.

The driver of the flatbed was trapped inside the vehicle for some time until crews were able to dislodge the two trucks.

The roadway remained closed while the load that fell from the flatbed was cleaned up.

The weather has been blamed for other traffic accidents as well.

The North Junction of interstates 70 and 79 in South Strabane, Washington County, was the site of several accidents. Another problem area is along routes 22-30 near Hankey Farms.

Commuters can access the updated traffic conditions to plan ahead.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties, and for Preston County, W.Va., and Garrett County, Md., until 4 p.m. today. Snow is expected to cause driving difficulties in those areas.

There are lake effect snow advisories today for northern counties, including Mercer, Venango, Forest, Crawford, McKean and Erie.

The good news is that the snow won't stay for long. Temperatures will rise into the mid 30s today, enough to cause most of the white stuff to melt. Sunshine will return tomorrow with temperatures reaching the mid 40s. Check out the latest conditions and forecast on the PG's weather page.