Road crews ready for snow, wintry mix in western Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH — A winter storm is expected to bring snow, as well as a wintry mix of rain and freezing rain for some, to western Pennsylvania starting early Sunday and lasting into Tuesday.

>>CLICK HERE for the latest forecast

As the storm approaches, crews throughout the area are working to make sure they are prepared to tackle whatever comes our way.

>>RELATED STORY: Expect vehicle restrictions during the winter weather this weekend, PennDOT says

Allegheny County

The Allegheny County Department of Public Works said it will send out at least 24 salt trucks with plows as soon as the precipitation starts.

Officials said they are monitoring the forecast and will make changes to their plan as needed. That could include bringing in more drivers and extending shifts to make sure there is continual coverage of roads throughout the storm.

It takes salt truck drivers about one to two hours to complete their routes, officials said. So, there likely will be accumulation on roadways when snow is falling quickly.

People are encouraged to stay home when conditions are bad. If that is not possible, people are urged to use caution on the roads, including slowing down, avoiding sudden stops, increasing following distance and watch for slick spots, especially on bridges and ramps.

Pittsburgh

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works said it is preparing to salt and plow roads citywide.

Crews will start treating streets with blue-tinted magnesium chloride salt Saturday night. They will continue treating and plowing throughout the storm.

More than 50 trucks are expected to be out for the 10 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday shift, salting roads ahead of the storm.

Sunday daylight crews will continue work from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with more than 60 trucks available for salting and plowing.

Crews will also be out salting and shoveling city steps, sidewalks and bridges.

Crews will be in place around the clock, salting and plowing until the storm has passed through the area, officials said.

The City Snow Plow Tracker App will be activated Saturday at 10 p.m. and throughout the storm.

Fayette County

In Connellsville, Mayor Greg Lincoln has signed a disaster emergency declaration that will allow the city to hire snow plow contractors to help the city of Connellsville maintain their city streets as the snow moves in.

Connellsville will use their emergency snow removal plan, Lincoln said in a Facebook post Sunday.

CDC requires face masks on airlines, public transportation

Cox Media Group