Local

Rain to turn to snow; Accumulation expected by Saturday morning

PITTSBURGH — Rain that crossed much of the area Friday morning will turn to snow by tonight, and much of the Channel 11 viewing area will see an inch of snow or more by Saturday morning.

Severe Weather Team meteorologist Kevin Benson said Doppler 11 radar indicated that Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer and Butler counties were the first to see the changeover.

Up to one inch of snow may accumulate in the southern counties, Benson said, and 1 to 3 inches is possible north and east of Pittsburgh through Saturday morning.

"Even though snow amounts will be low, a burst of snow can lower visibility and put down a quick coating causing slippery roads," Benson said.

Drivers who traveled the Parkway East Friday morning said even though these types of storms are the norm for Pittsburgh, it doesn't make driving any less difficult.

"You get snow flurries and a little drizzle and they can't drive," said commuter Chastity Wilson.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials said they will have crews on the roadways -- but they will not pre-treat the streets -- because the rain simply washes away the chemicals.

Meantime, a blizzard is expected to slam areas to the east including New York City and Boston. One woman who was traveling through Pittsburgh International Airport Friday said she got out of the storm's target just in the nick of time.

"We were scheduled to be on a plane at 5 p.m. from Boston and we looked at the weather and rescheduled. So we go out of dodge," Betty-Anne Donnelly said.

A few snow showers will continue into Saturday with clouds decreasing throughout the day and a high of 32 degrees.

Sunday -- a warm up is in store -- with clouds, sun and a high of 47 degrees.

Stick with Severe Weather Team 11 and WPXI.com for updated forecast information, as well as the latest school and business closings.

If you snap any great winter weather photos, feel free to share them on the WPXI-TV Pittsburgh Facebook page and/or at the iWitness11 page at WPXI.com.

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