Heavy snow showers coat roads, trigger multiple accidents
Heavy snow showers moved through the area Tuesday afternoon, coating roads and sidewalks in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Traffic on highways slowed as numerous fender-benders occurred throughout Fayette County and the surrounding area.
Fayette County 911 officials reported the storm especially affected side streets and roads in more rural areas, where multiple crashes were reported throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
No weather-related crashes involving serious injuries were reported.
Multiple crashes were also reported in Greene and Washington counties, according to emergency management officials.
The Fayette County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) said the swift-moving snowstorm dumped about 1.5 inches of snow per hour during a three-hour period Tuesday afternoon.
Heavy snow showers tapered off Tuesday evening, with lighter snow showers continuing.
The county EMA office said additional snow showers are predicted throughout today. Motorists are cautioned that roads will remain slick and that whiteout conditions could occur.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh issued a weather storm watch that went into effect Tuesday morning and will remain in effect until 7 p.m. today.
Potential accumulation through Wednesday night could total 6 or more inches.
Fayette County EMS cautioned motorists that while snow showers are expected to diminish throughout the day, the potential for blowing and drifting snow on roads still exists.