The steel city is bracing itself for a wintry blast. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued multiple weather warnings ahead of a significant snowstorm expected to roll in this evening and continue through Friday. According to the latest forecast, areas along and north of Interstate 80 and the Allegheny mountains and Laurel highlands are poised to see considerable snowfall accompanied by fierce wind gusts that could lead to blowing snow, reduced visibility, and hazardous traveling conditions.
As of this morning, the weather remains dry, though the temperature is notably below average. However, this brief interlude of tranquility is not expected to last, with snow showers anticipated to begin this afternoon and become more substantial and widespread as the evening progresses. The Pittsburgh area may initially experience a mix of rain and snow before colder air plunges the region into arctic-like conditions just before the stroke of midnight. With the forecast for rapidly increasing snow ratios, residents should expect a transition to lighter, powdery snow by early Thursday morning.
Adding to the weather woes, the anticipated gusty winds are expected to escalate, with peak gusts forecasted between 5 p.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday. The strength of these winds is significant enough that snow squalls could severely affect travel during Thursday's morning commute, potentially necessitating snowfall warnings. The National Weather Service has further outlined that areas in the I-80 corridor may see snowstorm totals exceeding 10-12 inches, particularly where intense snow bands occur.
By Friday, the lake-effect snow machine will keep snow showers persistent in the I-80 corridor and the Erie snow belt. With anticipated wind gusts up to 65 mph and substantial snowfall, Eastern Tucker County, WV, has been placed under a Blizzard Warning effective from 7 PM this evening until 7 AM EST Friday. Given the expected vigorous winds and significant snow drifts, this warning denotes the seriousness of the incoming storm for these regions.
As for the aviation sector, the conditions have percolated with early VFR statuses at most terminals except FKL/DUJ. The approaching system will bring MVFR category ceilings across the region by the end of the current terminal aerodrome forecast period. The weekend brings a high degree of uncertainty, with the possibility of additional precipitation, although a more specific system is expected to make its presence felt early next week. During the period, below-average temperatures will likely persist, adding an extra layer of challenge to those in Pittsburgh and its surroundings.
