Rain Turning to Flakes Late Thursday

Don’t let today’s warmish temperatures fool you, snow is on the way for the Pittsburgh area, including Washington County.

The Moon-based National Weather Service at 1:30 p.m. Thursday issued a winter weather advisory from 9 p.m. tonight until 6 p.m. Friday for all of western Pennsylvania.

Strong winds and snow showers are expected overnight Thursday into Friday. Winds are predicted to be southwest at 20 to 25 mph with gusts of more than 40 mph possible.

Weather forecasters are calling for an accumulation of 1 to 3 inches of snow overnight. The snow is expected to continue falling Friday, mainly before 2 p.m., with new accumulations of 1 to 2 inches possible, according to NWS.

Rain showers will begin falling before 10 p.m. Thursday and turn into a combination of rain and snow showers between 10 and 11 p.m. The rain will give way to flakes after 11 a.m. with areas of blowing snow after 2 a.m.

Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Although today's high reached the mid-40s, temperatures are expected to fall to around 20 degrees overnight. The National Weather Service warns motorists of dangerous conditions as the quickly-falling temperatures could lead to roads icing over.

A winter weather advisory for snow and blowing snow means visibility will be limited because of a combination of falling and blowing snow. 

Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling, especially in open areas. Report your snowfall accumulations to the National Weather Service by calling 1-877-633- 6772.

Check back with Peters Patch for weather updates.