Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) announced the suspension of all bus and rail services on Sunday evening due to severe weather conditions. Normal operations are expected to resume on Monday morning. PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman noted that safety concerns for both operators and riders led to this decision, stating, “Continuing service could put both our operators and riders at risk,” particularly with several buses stuck in snow.
The Downtown Service Center will be closed on Monday, and ACCESS paratransit services have also been canceled. Residents with scheduled trips are being notified about the delays.
As heavy snow continues to fall, Allegheny County officials are advising residents to exercise caution and refrain from unnecessary travel while crews work on snow removal. Stephen Shanley from the county’s Department of Public Works confirmed that road plowing was ongoing, with salting operations scheduled to begin after the snowfall subsided. County emergency services chief Matthew Brown expressed concern about the upcoming extreme wind chills that could lead to frostbite, urging residents to stay indoors if possible and to ensure safe heating methods in their homes.
In response to the frigid weather, CitiParks is activating four Healthy Active Living Senior Centers as warming centers to provide a safe space for residents. These locations will be operational until the evening, offering relief amid the harsh conditions.
Sunday was recorded as the snowiest calendar day in Pittsburgh since 2010, with the National Weather Service reporting an accumulation of 9.4 inches by 3 p.m. Total snowfall could reach between 12 to 16 inches across the region, with higher amounts expected in areas north of the city.
Pittsburgh Public Schools, along with other districts in the area, will remain closed on Monday. Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne are shifting to remote classes, while the University of Pittsburgh has canceled in-person classes, allowing professors to decide on remote sessions.
The county’s administrative offices, courts, and parks are closing, with staff encouraged to work from home. Winter shelters remain open, and officials are directing those without children who require shelter to Second Avenue Commons.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has also urged drivers to avoid non-essential travel, implementing speed reductions on major highways and closing high-occupancy vehicle lanes. Garbage collection has been suspended for Monday, and all driver’s license and photo centers remain closed until Tuesday.
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an “emergency disaster” proclamation to allocate additional resources for snow clearance. Meanwhile, the Allegheny County Department of Public Works has deployed extensive resources, including 26 salt trucks, to address the snow-covered roads.
Healthcare facilities throughout the region are closely monitoring the situation. Allegheny Health Network has activated emergency operations plans to manage staffing and resources effectively. UPMC’s chief medical officer assured the public that hospitals are prepared and advised individuals experiencing severe symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
As the storm progressed, city officials reported a remarkable event where emergency responders successfully aided a mother and her newborn, who was born on the side of Interstate 279, both are reported to be doing well.
While the severe conditions pose challenges, the community is banding together to ensure safety and assist those in need. This winter storm serves as a reminder of the resilience of both the individuals and the services dedicated to keeping everyone safe during such extreme weather events.