Record snowfall shuts down Valley

By TAYLOR BROWN
Senior Reporter
tbrown@yoiurmvi.com

A powerful winter storm that dumped record snowfall across the region forced widespread closures, halted public transit and prompted emergency preparations across multiple counties as hazardous travel conditions lingered into Sunday night.

Municipal leaders throughout the Mon Valley urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary as plow crews worked through the night.

Cleanup efforts continue today as crews work to clear side streets and alleyways and apply salt to keep roadways passable.

“Our road crews have been working all night to keep the roads clear. Please be patient with them,” North Charleroi Borough stated in a public update. “We are working to keep the main drags clear first. If you do not need to be out on the roads today, please stay home.”

Rostraver Township Commissioner John Lorenzo also provided an update on the township’s response.

“Our Rostraver Township road crew is out in full force working through the ongoing snowfall to keep township roads plowed and as safe as possible,” Lorenzo said. “Crews will remain on duty around the clock, as additional snow is expected.

For everyone’s safety, please stay home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary or for an emergency. Keeping traffic off the roads allows our crews to work more efficiently and ensures safe access for first responders and essential services.”

Anywhere between 8 and 12 inches of snow blanketed most municipalities in Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties Sunday

From left, Jenn Davis, Kirra Davis, Brendan Stearns, Darin Davis and Addy Davis took a selfie with their dog, Ranger, in the snow in Jefferson Hills on Sunday. Submitted

afternoon with higher accumulation at higher elevations in Fayette County.

Nearly 10 inches had fallen by 4 p.m. at the National Weather Service’s office in Moon. The previous record for Jan. 25 — 5.2 inches, in 2014 — was broken by breakfast.

Road closures and transit disruptions

Several road closures were reported as conditions worsened.

In Charleroi, 10th and 11th streets were closed due to unsafe conditions. In

Alana Caulkett and Violet McDonald go sledding Sunday in Elizabeth Borough. Submitted

Elizabeth Township, Forest Hills Road was closed for the duration of the storm. Officials said the road is the only internal township access point to Smithdale and directed drivers to use State Route 136 through Rostraver Township.

One multi-vehicle crash was reported on Interstate 70 near Bentleyville, though no additional details were available prior to press time.

Public transportation was also affected. The Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority announced buses did not operate Sunday due to unsafe road conditions, Today, MMVTA issued route-specific service updates.

Review individual route impacts on Facebook or on the Traxster/ MyStop app. Conditions will be assessed several hours before service start.

Government offices and courts close

In Monessen, city officials said emergency response partners were fully activated ahead of the storm. Monessen City Hall and the Monessen Civic Center were closed Sunday and will close today following recommendations from the city’s storm operations center. Officials said public safety agencies were fully staffed and prepared to respond to weather-related emergencies, including power outages.

In Charleroi, Borough Manager Joe Manning said City Hall is closed today, with administrative operations handled remotely following consultation with council.

At the county level, Washington County officials announced county offices and courts would be closed to the public today due to heavy snowfall. Remote work is in place for employees who are able, while essential operations — including 911 services, the county jail and the Sheriff’s Office — remain open.

In Fayette County, officials also announced all county buildings will be closed to the public today. Employees working in 24/7 operations were

Ethan Escott, 10, and his 9-month-old puppy, Kobe, had fun playing in the snow in Rostraver Township. Submitted

instructed to follow established protocols, while all other employees were told not to report to county offices and to telework if needed.

Fayette County officials said Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT) buses will not operate today, with any additional service disruptions to be announced if necessary. County emergency management officials said the 911 center SNOWFALL •A4

Submitted remains fully staffed with backup protocols in place. Officials continue to monitor conditions with input from the National Weather Service and FEMA, including potential power outages.

In Allegheny County, all non-essential county offices and administrative functions are closed today, including the Court of Common Pleas, Magisterial District Courts and Pittsburgh Municipal Court. Non-essential facilities such as county parks, Boyce Park ski slopes and North and South Park ice rinks are also closed. The Allegheny County Jail is closed to visitors, though Arraignment Court remains open for emergency matters.

Westmoreland County government offices and the courthouse in Greensburg are operating on a two-hour delay, opening at 10:30 a.m. today. Court proceedings originally scheduled before that time will begin at 10:30 a.m. Public meetings were pushed to the afternoon.

All commonwealth offices in the Pittsburgh area, including 301 Fifth Ave. and 411 Seventh Ave., are closed today and Tuesday. PennDOT also announced all driver license and photo centers statewide will be closed both days.

Retailers and public services affected

Lauren Whiten plays football in the snow with her dogs Chloe, Bentley, and Scarlette in Charleroi. Submitted

Retailers, attractions and public services across the region adjusted operations or closed as conditions deteriorated.

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium closed Sunday and today. The Mall at Robinson also closed Sunday due to severe conditions.

In Westmoreland County, Westmoreland Mall closed Sunday, though businesses with exterior entrances had varying hours. South Hills Village mall in Bethel Park also closed Sunday and planned to reopen at 10 a.m. today.

Several retailers, including Walmart, Sam’s Club and Dollar General, at various locations closed early Sunday amid worsening conditions. Grocery stores such as Shop ’n Save in Rostraver and Foodland in

Alivia and Lucia Brown play together in the snow in Elizabeth Borough. Submitted

Monessen closed, while Giant Eagle locations that opened Sunday morning also shut down early. Some gas stations and convenience stores that initially opened closed early too, citing slow business and deteriorating travel conditions.

Cold weather ahead

As of Sunday evening, official snowfall measurements in Pittsburgh reached 10.2 inches, ranking as the 21st snowiest single day in city history and the snowiest day since Feb. 5, 2010. Forecasters said if an additional 1.2 inches falls before the storm ends, it would become the snowiest day this century, surpassing totals recorded Jan. 4, 1994.

Across the Mon Valley, communities received at least 8 inches of snow, with total accumulations expected to range between 9 and 16 inches by the time the storm concludes, potentially ending with a mix of sleet and freezing rain.

A winter storm warning remains in effect until noon today.

As skies clear, temperatures are expected to drop sharply. Today’s high will reach only 21 degrees, with overnight lows falling to around zero. Cold conditions are expected to persist through the week, with wind chill values forecast as low as minus 18 degrees Tuesday.

Emergency officials continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, allow road crews to work safely and call 911 only for true emergencies as cleanup efforts continue.