Snowstorm brings modest totals in most of Western Pa.

The predicted snowstorm that closed schools and caused traffic restrictions Monday failed to live up to the hype in many parts of Western Pennsylvania — at least so far.

Officials had expected 2 to 4 inches of snow in the Pittsburgh area and higher accumulations south of Interstate 70.

But totals as of lunchtime were modest in most locations. That included about 2 inches in Castle Shannon, Beaver, and Laughlintown, Smithton and South Irwin in Westmoreland County.

Seven Fields and Mars in Butler County had received about 2.2 inches of snow. West Newton (3.5 inches) and Monessen (2.5 inches) in Westmoreland County saw slightly higher amounts.

“We did have a little bit of dry air in place,” said David Shallenberger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Moon, explaining there were two bands of snow, one south of Interstate 70 and one north of Pittsburgh.

“The band developed further north than anticipated,” Shallenberger said.

The heaviest of snow was anticipated to take place between 4 to 8 a.m. Monday. Shallenberger said some areas, especially south of Pittsburgh, could get 1 to 3 additional inches of snow this afternoon.

Fayette, Greene and Washington counties appeared to get the most snow. Five inches fell in Leith-Hatfieldand 3½ inches in Brownsville in Fayette County. Amity in Washington County had 3.9 inches of snow, and East Washington and Waynesburg had 3 inches each.

PennDOT officials had announced a speed limit reduction on Interstates 70 and 79 but removed those speed reductions about noon.

The snow caused delays in public transit, with Pittsburgh Regional Transit announcing delays of up to 20 minutes on some bus routes.

We're experiencing delays of up to 20 minutes on some bus routes due to slower than usual traffic caused by the weather. You can follow your bus/T in real time at https://t.co/THrrSo36vm

— Pittsburgh Regional Transit (@PGHtransit) January 6, 2025

Periodic snow showers and flurries will continue through at least Wednesday, but little to no additional accumulation is expected.

Many local school districts either closed, scheduled a remote learning day or operated on a delay.

PennDOT officials said they deployed more than 600 equipment operators and staff to pretreat roads Sunday to prevent ice from forming during the early stages of storm.

Pittsburgh crews deployed 60 trucks to pretreat roads Sunday night, with an additional 70 trucks taking to city streets at 6 a.m. Monday.