This morning’s icy streets and sidewalks are just the start of a winter blast heading to the Pittsburgh region.
According to the National Weather Service, the area should expect a significant snowfall this weekend, with the potential for 8-12 inches across most of southwest Pennsylvania, including in the Pittsburgh metro area.
While yesterday, the potential for snow ranged from nearly nothing to, on at least one weather app, a stunning 16-19 inches, the weather crystal ball is becoming less murky as the storm approaches.
“We’re a little bit more confident now in the widespread heavy snow,” said NWS meteorologist Chris Leonardi. “We’re going to refine that forecast as the event approaches over the next day or two.”
NWS issued a Winter Storm Watch early Thursday morning, as the storm track became clearer. According to Leonardi, there are two low-pressure systems. One of them will track across the Deep South before “handing off” to another along the Atlantic coast.
“We’ll be on the northwest fringe of this storm track where the heavy snow will be occurring,” Leonardi said.
Amid all the buzz (so! much! buzz!) about the snow, keep in mind that it will also be extremely cold. Temperatures are forecast to fall into the low single digits Friday night. On Saturday morning, wind chills will be in the -10 to -15 degree range.
The Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon. NWS will issue a Winter Storm Warning if the forecast becomes clearer.
The service advised people to make contingency plans for travel and ensure you have emergency supplies, including food, batteries and water, as well as fueling up your car.
Extreme winter conditions, including ice, freezing temperatures and heavy snow, are expected to blanket much of the U.S. later this week and into the weekend. Here’s how to prepare for winter driving.
