Weekend storm could bring Pittsburgh's biggest snow in years
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A Pittsburgh man removes snow along Grandview Ave. in November 2013. Photo: Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
A major winter storm is expected to sweep across much of the U.S. this weekend — likely bringing bitter cold and heavy snow to Western Pennsylvania.
Why it matters: The storm could deliver one of the region's biggest snowfalls in years, raising the risk of dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and a familiar rush on bread and milk.
Zoom in: Southwestern Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh metro, is forecast to see as much as 8 to 12 inches of snow, National Weather Service Pittsburgh meteorologist Bill Modzelewski told Axios Thursday morning.
- Snow is expected to start late Saturday night, intensifying Sunday afternoon and evening before ending early Monday.
- The NWS says areas farther north toward I-80 may see slightly lower totals — around 6 to 10 inches — while the Laurel Highlands could pick up a foot or more.
What they're saying: "We're fairly confident snowfall should have a widespread impact across the area," Modzelewski said.
Threat level: Beyond the snowfall, it'll be frigid. The NWS forecasts highs in the teens Saturday and the 20s Sunday, with overnight lows in the single digits Friday night. Wind chills will drive subzero conditions through the weekend.
- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said Friday that extreme cold expected to persist through next week could strain the electric grid and natural gas systems.
The big picture: The arctic blast is expected to push from the central Plains to the East Coast, bringing heavy snow, ice and dangerous cold that could knock out power and heat for hundreds of thousands in areas unaccustomed to storms of this magnitude — including the South.
Zoom out: Gov. Josh Shapiro said Wednesday that the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, state police and PennDOT are preparing equipment statewide for the storm.
- Duquesne Light said current projections call for dry, powdery snow, reducing the risk of heavy stress on trees and electrical equipment — but the utility says it's prepared to respond to outages as needed and warns hazardous travel could slow restoration.
- Allegheny County Emergency Services will outline the county's storm plan during a 1:30pm news conference Friday on Allegheny County's YouTube channel.
- Pittsburgh Regional Transit said it's mobilizing ahead of the storm: "If the current forecast holds, there will most likely be several buses detoured, especially in hilly areas," PRT posted on X.
- "If buses are unable to get to hilly, snow covered, icy, or otherwise impassable streets, they will stick to the main roads," per PRT.
Stunning stat: Pittsburgh hasn't seen a single-day snowfall of 10 inches or more since "Snowmageddon," on Feb. 5, 2010, when Pittsburgh International Airport logged 11.4 inches, Modzelewski said.
- The last time more than 9 inches of snow fell in a single day was in December 2020, he added.
Pro tip: If you're headed to the store, resist stockpiling. It can cause the shortages you're trying to avoid and lead to food waste.
- Instead, aim for three days to a week of essentials: yes, staples like bread, milk and eggs, plus FEMA-recommended supplies — at least one gallon of water per person per day, shelf-stable foods, baby and pet needs, basic first-aid and toiletries.
- Peanut butter, dried fruit and granola bars provide easy, no-cook protein, and a little comfort, like hot chocolate, doesn't hurt.
Giant Eagle spokesperson Jannah Drexler tells Axios that inclement weather typically brings increased foot traffic, prompting the company to boost shipments of grocery staples to keep shelves stocked.
- Giant Eagle will waive home delivery fees ahead of the storm. Orders of $35 or more placed via the website or mobile app and scheduled for delivery today through Saturday qualify with promo code "STAYWARM," Drexler said.
Fun fact: Drexler said the company has also seen a spike in sales of chili ingredients ahead of winter storms in recent years.
- "It's safe to say that a lot of yinzers will be bringing out their chili pots this weekend," Drexler said.
Other tips, per Duquesne Light and the National Weather Service:
- Charge phones and devices (consider investing in a portable charger) and keep flashlights, batteries, radios, water, blankets and medications within reach.
- Aim to have a safe backup heating option, such as a generator or wood for a stove or fireplace, or a plan in place for power outages.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full — gas stations need electricity to run their pumps.
- Check on vulnerable loved ones and neighbors without reliable heat once the storm hits.
- More storm survival tips from Axios Local reporters.
The bottom line: Forecasters are still updating their predictions, and the numbers could change up until the first snow starts falling.
- Follow the National Weather Service for updates.