District braces for snowstorm
Up to eight inches of snow could fall over the next couple of days in a snowstorm that could top last week when the largest snowstorm of the winter dropped almost six inches on the county. National Weather Service (NWS) in Pittsburgh Meteorologist Terry Parrish said two systems of low pressure, one coming from the Gulf of Mexico and the other out of the Great Lakes region, could combine to form a complex system of low pressure that could dump anywhere from four to eight inches on the area.
NWS issued a winter storm warning set to last from this morning to 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
A blanket forecast for Uniontown and the surrounding area predicted anywhere from four to eight inches to fall today, while snow is more likely at night. A high temperature of 30 degrees and a low in the mid 20s is predicted for today.
Snow is likely again with additional accumulation on Tuesday. A high around 30 degrees is predicted for Tuesday.
Parrish said the snowstorm could envelope the entire northeastern part of the country, while those on the western edge of the storm could see less accumulation.
“Hopefully we are on the western edge and see less than the mountain areas and Harrisburg,” Parrish said.
If the mountains do get that additional snowfall, Wharton Township Supervisor Jim Means said the township is prepared with around 35 tons of ashes waiting to be used.
Means noted that residents might see the worst of the snowstorm by rush hour today. Adding to already dangerous conditions, Means said the forecast is calling for sleet in addition to the snow.
“I hope it stays with the snow up here,” he said.
PennDOT crews in Greene and Fayette counties were on standby Sunday night while dispatchers at both stations said forecasts called for between 4 to 8 inches of snow scheduled to start between 3 and 6 a.m. today.
A 4 a.m. shift kicked off the workday for Uniontown PennDOT crews and foremen unless the storm decided to unleash its winter fury before then, a dispatcher said Sunday night.
A dispatcher at the Greene County PennDOT station said the manager told crews to be ready for overnight snow clearing and the storm ahead.
Greene County crews began to pre-treat roads, especially Interstate 79, on Sunday. Pre-treating will make snow removal easier if the big storm does come, the dispatcher said.
Jay Ofsanik, safety press officer, for PennDOT’s District 12, said highway maintenance crews from PennDOT District 12’s four maintenance offices in Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties will be working around the clock if necessary to keep the highways passable during the winter storms.
PennDOT urges all motorists to be aware of winter driving hazards and to help safeguard themselves using the following safety tips:
Headlights: During times of inclement weather it can be difficult to see approaching vehicles due to snow, rain, fog and reduced light during overcast conditions. The use of headlights by motorists during these times of low visibility can allow other drivers to better see approaching vehicles and avoid an otherwise tragic motor vehicle crash.
Turn Signals: Before making any turn, you must signal first. Use your turn signal when turning onto another roadway or traffic lane or when leaving a parked position.
During times when snowfall and low light conditions due to overcast conditions limit visibility, drivers may experience problems judging speed and distance. Without a turn signal showing, approaching drivers may not realize that the vehicle in front of them has stopped to make a turn. Your signal lets the driver know your plans. They can then adjust their driving so you can turn safely.
Ofsanik said drivers are required to use both headlights and turn signals under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code; however, the best reason for using them is help keep everyone safe on the roadways.
“Winter driving requires the best that we have as drivers,” he said. “Slow down, drive cautiously and make your winter driving experience a safe one.”