Key Highlights
- Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor declared a state of emergency after record snowfall.
- 37 city trucks broke down overnight during the snow removal efforts.
- 28 Allegheny County municipalities also declared emergencies due to heavy snow and extreme cold.
- Total accumulations reached 11.2 inches in Moon, tying the largest single-day snowfall this century.
- Extreme cold warnings are expected to last through February.
The Blizzard of January: Pittsburgh’s Snow Emergency
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is bracing for a record-breaking storm that brought the city to its knees. Mayor Corey O’Connor declared a state of emergency on Monday morning after an unprecedented snowfall, allowing the city to bring in additional resources and support.
Record Snowfall and City Resources
The blizzard that hit Pittsburgh on Sunday night into Monday morning saw 11.2 inches of snow accumulate at the NWS’ official climate site in Moon, just two-tenths of an inch shy of tying the largest single-day snowfall this century. This record was set on February 5, 2010, during the infamous “Snowmageddon” storm.
During the snow removal efforts, Mayor O’Connor highlighted that 37 city trucks broke down overnight, significantly impacting the response to the storm. The declaration of a state of emergency allowed the city to bring in more resources and contractors, addressing the increasingly depleted fleet.
The mayor emphasized, “Safety’s a priority. We’re not taking any chances.” As of Monday morning, 25 disaster declarations had been made, including 28 municipalities around Allegheny County.
Extreme Cold Warnings
The snow isn’t the only concern for the region. The extreme cold is expected to linger well into February, with temperatures below zero at night and reaching as low as minus-25 degrees in some areas. Jeff Craven, NWS Pittsburgh’s meteorologist in charge, warned that the cold air mass will challenge local records and bring potential ice jam flooding.
Residents were advised to stay off the roads as much as possible, and Kasey Reigner from the Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services noted that 911 operations remained normal. Pittsburgh Public Schools announced they would be closed on Monday for what could be the last traditional snow day this academic year.
Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure
Around 25% of Pittsburgh’s fleet was down, with 50 trucks deployed overnight but some stopping work due to breakdowns. The Allegheny County Department of Public Works reported that they had 26 salt trucks installed with plows removing snow from 357 miles of county-maintained roads since around midnight on Saturday night.
Flights at Pittsburgh International Airport were already experiencing delays and cancellations by Monday morning, affecting travel plans for many. The cold temperatures are making snow removal a gradual process, but officials remain optimistic that the region will manage to clear the roads despite the challenging conditions.
A Winter of Record-Breaking Snowfall
The storm that hit Pittsburgh on Sunday night brought not only record snowfall but also extreme cold. The region is bracing for a winter that could last well into February, with temperatures remaining below zero and potential ice jam flooding becoming a concern.
While the immediate impact of the storm has left many areas in disarray, the resilience shown by city officials and residents alike is a testament to their preparedness. As the week progresses, the focus remains on safety and ensuring that critical services continue to operate smoothly, despite the harsh conditions.
For more updates and information, visit Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Stay safe during this winter storm.
