We’re now dealing with the impact of Sunday’s massive snowfall and the following deep freeze that won’t end any time soon.
Here’s the latest:
Driving in the snow:
If you have to drive, remember that Pennsylvania law requires you to remove snow or ice on your vehicle's windshield, rear window, side windows and hood before driving.
The fine is $50 per offense for not clearing your vehicle, and if snow or ice falls and causes death or serious bodily injury, drivers can be fined $200 to $1,500 per offense.
Also, Pennsylvania's Move Over law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to safely move one lane away, and if moving is not possible, you must slow down.
PennDOT also reminds you to not pass a snow plow while it is plowing or spreading winter materials, and to not use cruise control on snow covered, wet or icy roads.
Trash and Recycling:
Due to the ongoing need for snow removal citywide, the Department of Public Works’ Environmental Services are suspending refuse and recycling collection by an additional day, so all collections will be delayed by a total of two days this week.
A press release from the mayor's office says the schedule will be: Monday collections will be on Wednesday. Tuesday collections will be on Thursday, and so forth.
Many other communities have pushed collection back a day. Check with your local community for the latest updates.
Restrictions lifted:
PennDOT lifted the temporary speed limit restrictions that it had in effect.
That means they have lifted the 45 mile an hour speed limit on highways like the Parkways East, North and West, I-79 and Routes 28 and 65.
Public Transit:
Winter weather is causing delays and detours across Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s bus system this morning.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit says light rail service is running on schedule, though passengers may see delays of up to 15 minutes and should board inbound platforms between Steel Plaza and First Avenue.
Bus service is more limited, operating only where roads are safe, with some routes experiencing delays of up to an hour as crews monitor conditions.
PRT is asking riders to travel only if necessary and to allow extra time. Real-time updates are available on TrueTime, third-party apps, or by calling customer service.
Pittsburgh Airport Delays:
Travelers faced major delays at Pittsburgh International Airport Sunday as a winter snowstorm swept through western Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh International Airport says more than 100 flights were canceled Sunday, Airport Spokesman Bob Kerlik tells the Big K Morning Show, the biggest challenge for travelers was getting to the airport.
Kerlik says he expects air traffic to get back to normal later today. There were around 66 cancelations on Monday out of about 260 flights.
He advises travelers to check with their airline before heading to the airport.
Light of Life working to help the unhoused:
How are people who don't have shelter dealing with all this deep snow and dangerously cold temperatures?
Jerrell Gilliam, Executive Director of the Light of Life Rescue Mission, tells the Big K Morning Show, it's a real challenge for his outreach team right now:
“Our outreach team is out there, trying to encourage everyone to come in,” said Gilliam.
He adds that weather like this can come with a positive, “for some people weather like this becomes the turning point, they realize how at-risk they are embracing the lifestyle they are and they choose to change.”
He says if you're interested in dropping off items or making a monetary donation, just visit their website.