PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is urging citizens to heed the warnings they've received from public safety officials and to stay home and safe during this winter weather emergency.

Ravenstahl is at the Laurel Mountains with family and friends celebrating his 30th birthday.

"We got up early this morning and tried to make the drive home, but we weren't successful," Ravenstahl said. "We tried again a little bit ago, but it just isn't safe out there.”

Pittsburgh Public Works crews continue to focus on getting primary streets clear and are working around-the-clock.

More than 60 plows are out on the road, in addition to 10 crews who are helping firefighters with tree removal.

Residents are reminded to stay clear of any downed electrical wires.

The city declared a disaster emergency Saturday morning and currently there are about 8,000 residences without power.

The neighborhoods of Beltzhoover, South Side, and Beechview are the hardest hit.

"I'm asking residents to bear with us and stay patient," Ravenstahl said. "Right now, the safest place to be is in your homes. We will be opening warming centers soon, but right now it is not safe for residents to travel to them. As soon as the roads are safe enough for travel, we will let you know."

With snowfall predicted to subside before 2 p.m., crews will be able to make the roads safer.