The snow and cold temperatures that moved across Western Pennsylvania this morning are here to stay, probably throughout the weekend. That means drivers will face delays because of snow-covered roads and limited visibility.

Commuters this morning were greeted with snow that started moving through the region around 5:30, causing widespread travel difficulties. In Hanover and Independence in Beaver County, Route 30 was closed in both directions between Route 18 and the Allegheny County line. Several other accidents were reported, including an overturned garbage truck that lost its load.

Travelers should prepare for more weather-related difficulties over the next few days. Most of southwestern Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and its suburbs, can expect occasional snow showers today with winds of 25 to 35 mph. About an inch of snow should fall with temperatures tonight falling to around 20.

Elsewhere:

• Fayette and Westmoreland counties are under a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. tomorrow. Expect as much as 3 to 5 inches of snow.

• Crawford and Erie counties are under a lake-effect snow warning until 4 p.m. tomorrow. A total of 8 inches to a foot of snow is possible by late tomorrow afternoon. Forest, Mercer and Venango counties, also under a lake-effect snow warning until 10 a.m. tomorrow, could get 3 to 5 inches.

• Preston and Tucker, W.Va., and Garrett County, Md., are under a winter storm warning until 10 a.m. tomorrow. Snow of 6 to 9 inches will be accompanied by winds of as high as 40 mph.

Check out the latest conditions and forecast. Commuters also can access the updated traffic conditions.

First Published: February 19, 2009, 4:30 p.m.