Crashes reported around county as snowfall moves through

Several crashes were reported around the county during snowfall on Saturday.

The Allegheny County Public Works Department was out salting and plowing during the storm, which dropped up to 3 inches in some southern neighborhoods, according to the department.

One car #Accident on I279 southbound at the East St exit. #WPXI #PGH #PITTSBURGH pic.twitter.com/XBDzQJHpYo
— Tony Ruffolo (@WPXITonyRuffolo) January 16, 2021

An earlier alert put out by the department warned drivers of squalls and slick roads, which caused several crashes around the area and stranded motorists.

The alert said 21 salt trucks with plows were deployed to respond to the inclement weather, and more will be added with extended shift if need, until the county’s roads and bridges are cleared and the precipitation stops.

Snow has begun to fall steadily here in the Pittsburgh metro area here’s a shot from downtown Carnegie @WPXIScott @WPXIWeather @WPXIJoe @WPXIMikeHolden @NWSPittsburgh @JillKGreenwood @DavidWPXI @tgray22 @WPXITraffic @WPXICropper @DavidWPXI pic.twitter.com/dGuH4T5X2s
— Stephen Banfield (@coachtvnews) January 16, 2021

The county said it takes salt truck drivers between one to two hours to complete their routes, to quickly falling snow will likely accumulate on roads.

Public Works is encouraging drivers to stay home if possible. If you must drive, please slow down, avoid sudden stops, increase following distance, and be on the lookout for slick spots, especially on bridges and ramps.

It is white out conditions here in Findlay Township PA near Pittsburgh international Airport roads are snow-covered and slick @WPXI @WeatherNation @wxnewsdesk @WPXIWeather @WPXIScott @WPXIJoe @WPXIMikeHolden @NWSPittsburgh pic.twitter.com/PuBkc7Ff24
— Stephen Banfield (@coachtvnews) January 16, 2021