5 day forecast
Meteorologists now saying less snow to begin falling later in Pittsburgh, southwestern Pennsylvania
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A snow plow moves wet, slushy snow from an intersection in Rockford, Ill., today, as a winter storm headed for Pittsburgh blew through that area. -
Pedestrians cross Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa during heavy snow today. The storm is headed toward western Pennsylvania. -
Commuters brace the snow as they arrive in downtown Chicago this morning. The Windy City was expecting as much as 10 inches of snow from a storm that will head toward western Pennsylvania tonight.
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Just because the snow hasn't started yet, don't put the shovel and salt away.
The storm expected to hit southwestern Pennsylvania will begin later -- around 10 p.m. to midnight -- and leave behind less snow than was forecast earlier today, according to the National Weather Service.
Southwestern Pennsylvania should expect 1 to 3 inches of snow overnight, weather service meteorologist Brad Rehak said, with an additional 1 to 2 inches settling in for the morning commute.
This storm will draw "a sharp line" through the region, Mr. Rehak said. Northern areas should expect significantly less snow than southern areas.
"That line will be drawn very close to Allegheny County," he said.
A winter weather warning is still in effect for Pittsburgh and areas south: Parts of Washington, Greene and Westmoreland counties could see 4 to 8 inches of snow and higher elevations in Fayette and Westmoreland counties could see up to 9 or 10 inches.
Though the precipitation will likely begin as rain, it will quickly change to snow, Mr. Rehak said.
The snow will be unlike the light, fluffy stuff from over the weekend, weather service meteorologist Tom Green said.
"We are expecting that this will be a kind of heavier, wetter snow, considering our temperatures will be right around freezing," he said.
A winter weather advisory in Beaver, Butler, Armstong and Indiana counties could bring between 3 and 5 inches of snow.
In the calm before the storm, PennDOT crews checked equipment for mechanical problems, ensured materials are stocked and mounted plows on its 70-plus trucks in Allegheny County.
PennDOT, which is responsible for interstates and main arteries like Routes 8, 22 and 28, will be "full force" overnight clearing roads before the morning rush, spokesman James Struzzi said. PennDOT will concentrate on those thoroughfares, then attend to secondary roads.
On Monday, Mr. Rehak called this "probably the last big snow" of the winter.
As of tonight, northern Illinois and Indiana had been hit hardest by this storm, accumulating about 4 to 6 inches of snow, he said.
The earlier forecast prompted some evening closures and cancellations. For an updated list, visit the PG's news partner, KDKA-TV.
For the latest warnings, watches and advisories, visit the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh website.
First Published March 5, 2013 9:01 am
