Snow and ice turning to slush in much of the region
The snowy, frozen morning weather is expected to turn wet and slushy later today.
According to the National Weather Service, the region will remain under a winter weather advisory until noon today, and will remain under a flood watch until late today.
Lee Hendricks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service out of Pittsburgh, said generally across the area, there’s expected to be 2 to 4 inches of snow with nearly one-tenth of an inch of ice and snow as freezing rain rolls into the area.
Susan Kozak-Griffith, the public information officer with the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency, said Wednesday morning had its share of downed wires and minor accidents due to vehicles sliding on the roadways, but no major issues were reported.
Around noon, forecasters predict the snow will shift to rain as the temperatures begin to rise with the highs being in the upper 30s and 40s. The rain will continue into the evening hours.
But the rain falling on the snow, Hendricks said, won’t make for ideal driving conditions.
“The roads will be a bit sloppy here even after things warm up,” Hendricks said.
He said the ridges in Fayette and Westmoreland counties will see a mix of rain and sleet today and are expected to receive a total of 3 to 5 inches and up to a quarter inch of ice.
“The temperatures will get up to the mid 30s, but I’m not sure how much snow will melt off,” Hendricks said.