Western Pennsylvania received more than 3.5 inches of snow by early Friday afternoon, with more on the way.
By 5 p.m., 4.8 inches of snow had fallen in Pittsburgh, setting a record-high for Feb. 7, with the day’s last biggest snowstorm dumping 4.5 inches in 1967, the National Weather Service in Moon said.
“Still, 4-5 inches isn’t terribly unusual for Pittsburgh in early February,” the NWS posted to Twitter, citing days during the same week in prior years that topped 6 to 9 inches.
#Snow blankets the rooftops this morning along Resaca Place in the Mexican War Streets section of #Pittsburgh's North Side.#weather#mexicanwarstreets pic.twitter.com/uWgOqypDxr
— Steven Adams (@fo2grfr) February 7, 2020
Jared Rackley, a meteorologist for the NWS in Moon, said the region can expect to get about half an inch more of snow before the end of the day, and another one-fifth of an inch Saturday. A mix of rain and snow is expected for Sunday, and Monday is expected to be rainy.
“Enjoy winter for once,” Rackley said.
The most snow fell along the northern edges and ridges of Allegheny County. Seven Springs Mountain Resort reported getting more than 6 inches by 3:30 p.m.
Overnight freezing rain that turned into a heavy morning snowfall in Western Pennsylvania caused schools to close or issue delays and made for a messy commute Friday.
More than 450 schools altered their days because of hazardous road conditions. Several churches and community groups also canceled programs.
“I wouldn’t say it’s too out of the norm,” said Rackley. “It’s just that this is the biggest snowfall of the year so far.”
Pittsburgh officially recorded 4.8 inches of snow as of 5PM today. That sets the record daily snowfall for February 7th. Still, 4-5 inches isn't terribly unusual for Pittsburgh in early February. The record snowfall for Feb 6th is 9.7" and Feb 8th is 6.6" pic.twitter.com/SfoFpuHMuM
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) February 7, 2020
With the ❄️ this morning, this accounts for nearly 25% or 1/4 of the entire snowfall we have received, so far this winter in #Pittsburgh. Happy ? and⛄️ making today. #winter #snow
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) February 7, 2020
Rain transitioned to snow overnight, with the heaviest amounts falling by 9 a.m.
6:30 AM Radar Update: Heavy snow is coming down across the region. Plan for extra time during your morning commute. Visibility will be tough at times due to breezy conditions. The heaviest snowfall will occur this morning before transitioning to intermittent lake enhanced snow. pic.twitter.com/Pss9QCPVbz
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) February 7, 2020
Several crashes were reported, including one at 6:30 a.m. on the eastbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike that blocked a lane between Pittsburgh and Irwin.
Around 10 a.m., Pittsburgh police and firefighters responded to a report of a truck that had slid into a utility pole in the 20 block of Newett Street. A witness told police he watched the truck slide down the hill before hitting the pole and pulling down some wires. Police reported that the driver of the truck told the witness he was going to drive to a safer place before reporting the collision, but police have not received any report as of Friday afternoon. Police are treating the case as a hit and run and are investigating.
A firefighter responding to the crash slipped on some ice at the scene and injured his back, police said. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment, according to a police spokeswoman.
There was also an accident along Route 228 nears Mars High School in Middlesex Township.
About 8:30 a.m. Robinson Street in the city’s Oakland section was closed between Allequippa Street and Fifth Avenue because of road conditions.
Rt 228 CLOSED between Mars HS and Route 8 because of an Earlier Accident at Davis Rd. #ButlerCountyTraffic #WPXI #wpxistorm https://t.co/lVBNz11hki
— WPXI Traffic (@WPXITraffic) February 7, 2020
PennDOT temporarily reduced the speed limit on the Beaver Valley Expressway in Beaver and Lawrence counties.
Speeds were reduced to 45 mph from the Allegheny County line to the Mercer County line. Officials urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.
Troop A has responded to at least 44 crashes and assisted at least 46 motorists so far today.
Crashes reported to Troop A so far today:
Ebensburg – 3
Greensburg – 14
Indiana – 14
Kiski Valley – 9
Somerset – 4#SlowDown#BuckleUp pic.twitter.com/FbVj8OnwTH— Troopers Steve Limani & Cliff Greenfield (@PSPTroopAPIO) February 7, 2020
Earlier, there were crashes that briefly closed all lanes of Interstate 376 in Beaver County and Route 66 in Parks Township in Armstrong County.
7 AM Snowfall Report at the office: 3 Inches
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) February 7, 2020
