Butler, Pennsylvania – Roads across western Pennsylvania could turn slick within hours as freezing rain moves in by 10 p.m. tonight, threatening the Tuesday morning commute across multiple counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 10 p.m. this evening until 10 a.m. Tuesday for Mercer, Venango, Forest, Lawrence, Butler, Clarion and Armstrong counties. Forecasters expect freezing rain to create a light glaze of ice, along with up to 1 inch of snow in some locations.
Even a thin coating of ice can freeze bridges and overpasses first, especially along I-79 near Grove City, I-80 through Mercer and Venango counties, and Route 422 in Butler County. Communities including New Castle, Sharon, Franklin, Clarion and Kittanning may see reduced traction during the peak of the morning drive between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Tuesday.
PennDOT crews are expected to pretreat and monitor major roadways, but untreated secondary roads, sidewalks and parking lots may remain slick through midmorning. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking. Allow extra travel time and check road conditions before leaving.
The advisory is set to expire at 10 a.m. Tuesday, though additional updates could follow if icing lingers beyond the morning commute.
