Winter Storm Warning Issued for Pittsburgh Area

A winter storm that could bring several inches of snow is expected to hit the Pittsburgh area Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service has upgraded its advisory to a winter storm warning that runs from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The weather service expects 5-to-8 inches of snow in this area, while even heavier snow is expected to fall in the Laurel Highlands of Fayette, Westmoreland and Somerset counties.

The South Hills of Pittsburgh and other areas south and east of the city could get up to 8 inches. Neighborhoods west of Pittsburgh are expected to get a little bit less.

The weather is expected to arrive late Tuesday afternoon as a mix of rain and snow before intensifying overnight. The snow is expected to continue until Wednesday afternoon, according to the weather service.

PennDOT announced that it's preparing for the "mixed-precipitation winter event" that is set to hit the area tonight and tomorrow. Officials said crews will begin pre-treating and anti-icing the roadways Tuesday afternoon through the evening.

"Other preparations occurring today include checking equipment to ensure mechanical readiness and mounting plows on trucks," PennDOT spokesman Jim Struzzi said in a press release. "Adequate salt and winter maintenance materials are on hand. Crews and salt trucks will remain out in full force overnight through Wednesday as long as needed."

Continue to monitor Patch.com as more details about the forecast become available.

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