Snow accumulation largely over, but icy road hazards could remain a threat, meteorologists say

While much of the snow pile-up risk has passed, Western Pennsylvanians should still be on the lookout for potential driving hazard conditions, meteorologists say.

Following Saturday’s snowstorm, some snow showers are expected on Sunday, “with little or no accumulation,” but ice could still form in some areas when temperatures drop overnight, said Lee Hendricks, meteorologist at National Weather Service Pittsburgh.

“The ground is warmer right now than the air is,” Hendricks explained. “It’s inhibiting any real ice forming on it. However, it could go on bridges, overpasses, and elevated onramps. There is a much greater chance of encountering black ice after sunset. Unfortunately, we are going to have that hazard with us for the next few days.”

The National Weather Service reported that Allegheny County and lower elevation areas of Westmoreland County received between 1 and 3 inches of snow Saturday, while higher elevations of Westmoreland County were in the 4- to 8-inch range.

Mainly snow (sorry Morgantown ????️) continues to cross the area early this morning. Snow is expected through much of today, with light accumulation in the lowlands and generally 2-5" (depending on elevation) in the higher terrain. pic.twitter.com/8oV6fDzxGB

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) January 7, 2024

Thank you for all of the recent snow reports. Here's how things ended up looking overall yesterday. We still have an advisory in effect until 1AM for the ridges of PA and WV, any additional reports for today's snow would be much appreciated!! ❄️❄️⛄️ pic.twitter.com/wZjMkQC7hy

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) January 7, 2024

Monday is set to be a drier day, he said, with highs in the upper 30-degree range. Tuesday will see another weather system moving in to bring some snow in the morning and rain in the afternoon, and temperatures in the 40s, with strong winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph.

The slightly warmer weather is likely to melt the snow, but puddles could freeze overnight Wednesday, when the temperature is set to drop to the low 20s.

While we encourage caution on travel thru tonight across the higher elevations due to potential snow accumulation, we have also issued a High Wind Watch for those same higher terrain locations Tuesday due to the potential gusty winds.

More to come on what to expect for Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/8snnyDVzyB

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) January 7, 2024

Saturday’s road restrictions have been removed, according to PennDOT’s 511PA alert website, but black ice could still pose a threat, including on sidewalks and pedestrian walkways, Hendricks said.

“Temperatures are going to be fairly mild, even though they are below freezing, so just general salt on there would be perfectly efficient to keep any ice from forming,” he said. “If temperatures get below 15 degrees, sometimes you have to use more specialized chemicals.”