Steady rainfall prompts flood advisory, as snow halts travel on PA Turnpike

PITTSBURGH — Steady rainfall across most of the Channel 11 News viewing area prompted a Flood Advisory for several counties.

Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties remained under a Flood Advisory until 12:15 a.m. Tuesday.

The steadiest rain pushed north of Pittsburgh, but ponding remained a concern late Monday night for the northern counties.

Snow fell much of Monday afternoon and evening across the mountains, but expanded outside of that area as of Monday evening.

Snowflakes pushed as far west as Washington County, to include Allegheny, and as far north as Armstrong County.

Snow will move along and north of the I-80 corridor Monday night before slowly tapering off early Tuesday.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike from Somerset Interchange, Exit 110, to Bedford Interchange, Exit 146, was operating under a Weather Emergency as of 11 p.m., meaning speed limits have been reduced to 45 mph.

Trying to pass the time, at least one driver built a snowman on the side of the road. Ryan Kroboth told Channel 11 News that he had waited for over two hours on the turnpike.

"It's been actually hard, as far as the internet, because reception has been nil because I think everyone is attempting to pass the time," Kroboth said.

Exactly one year ago, on Jan. 23, 2016, drivers were trapped for more than 24 hours along the turnpike after a bad storm caused crashes between Somerset and Bedford. The Turnpike Operations Center made changes including adding access points off the road and increasing communication with drivers to prevent another incident.

The turnpike is now able to highlight sections of the road and instantly send a message to the drivers there. Kroboth said he received the notification.

Traffic began moving within three hours.

VIDEO: Speed limit reduced on PA Turnpike as snow accumulates

A couple of inches of snow will be possible by Tuesday morning in the ridges with locally higher amounts in the highest elevations of the mountains. Any accumulation locally would be less than an inch and mainly on grassy surfaces.

A few rain and snow showers will stick around for early part of the Tuesday morning commute, but they should wrap up by Noon.

Cox Media Group