https://triblive.com/local/expect-a-snowy-st-patricks-day-parade-in-pittsburgh/
Winter storm watch issued; expect a snowy St. Patrick's Day parade in Pittsburgh
It won’t exactly be a repeat of the unforgettable Blizzard of 1993, but the forecast for Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Pittsburgh includes rather heavy snow accumulation and high winds.
“There will be accumulating snow during at least the early part of the parade,” said WPXI-TV’s chief meteorologist Stephen Cropper. “The dynamics with this system could create a situation where the snow falls heavy and quickly accumulates.”
Lee Hendricks, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Moon, said Pittsburgh could have at least a few inches of snow by 9 a.m. Saturday. The weather service on Thursday issued a winter storm watch for Saturday, calling for between 6 and 8 inches of snow in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. It would not be the largest snowfall of this winter. The Pittsburgh area received 9.2 inches on January 16 and 17.
The area normally averages 38.9 inches of snow each winter. So far, this winter’s total snowfall is nine inches under the average but this weekend’s snow could bring the area up to equal with the yearly average.
However, Hendricks said the wind will be as problematic as the snow.
“Unfortunately, we’re looking at 15 to 20 miles per hour winds gusting to as high as 40 miles per hour,” he said.
The Winter Storm Watch for Friday night into Saturday has been expanded westward to include much of southwest PA, northern WV, and portions of eastern OH. Snow totals of 6 inches or more are possible in this area, with gusty wind causing blowing/drifting at times. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/lMdsY552Mi— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) March 10, 2022
The snow comes on the eve of the 29th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1993, when over 23 inches of snow blanketed the city in a single day. But City Councilman Corey O’Connor said, based on his experiences, the weather won’t dampen the celebration.
“I walked in the parade in the Blizzard of 1993,” he said. “There are going to be a lot of loyal people out there enjoying themselves this Saturday regardless of weather.”
Cropper admits that putting down exact figures at this point is challenging.
“Stay tuned,” he said. “This storm is still developing but all indications are it will have an impact on us as early as Friday into Saturday.”
Things won’t be much better for folks heading out to party Saturday evening, as temperatures will fall to as low as 15 degrees.
“So, old man winter hasn’t let us out of his grip yet,” said Hendricks.
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