Allegheny County Prepared for Upcoming Winter Storm
Published on January 23, 2026
Public Works, Emergency Services Recommend Residents Stay Home If Possible
PITTSBURGH – County Executive Sara Innamorato announced today that county departments are fully prepared to provide essential services during this weekend’s expected winter storm.
Forecasts call for snowfall to begin Saturday evening and continue into early Monday morning. A total snow accumulation of between 10 to 14 inches is predicted, and there might be isolated locations that get higher amounts. Frigid temperatures and strong wind gusts are also predicted, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and anyone outdoors. For that reason, the Department of Public Works and Allegheny County Emergency Services recommend that drivers stay at home, if possible, during and immediately after the storm.
“I want to thank all the county employees who are preparing for this storm and will work around the clock to keep our residents safe,” said County Executive Innamorato. “I have to stress the importance of stocking up on basic needs in advance of the snow so we all can minimize travel when the snow starts to accumulate. Let’s be prepared to stay safe and stay home whenever possible.”
In preparation for the storm, Public Works inspected its fleet of 52 salt trucks, equipped them with plows, and filled them with salt and liquid calcium chloride. They are all operational and ready for deployment.
Public Works has 5,689 tons of salt and 1,960 gallons of liquid calcium chloride in stock, which will be enough for this storm.
When snow begins on Saturday, Public Works will deploy 26 salt trucks and will continue operations until the storm ends and all 357 miles of county-maintained roads are clear and wet. The department does not prioritize specific roads. Instead, drivers follow strategically designed routes that maximize speed and efficiency. Drivers will be working 12-hour shifts to ensure continuous coverage throughout the storm.
It typically takes about one to two hours for drivers to complete their routes and about an hour for them to return to the nearest maintenance garage, reload with salt, and restart their routes. So, during moderate to heavy snowfall, drivers should expect accumulation on county-maintained roads.
“While this storm might up end up being larger than we usually see, Allegheny County Public Works is always prepared to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us,” said Public Works Director Stephen Shanley. “Driver safety is our top priority, and we’re fortunate to have an experienced team of supervisors and drivers who know how to handle even in the worst of conditions. We appreciate their hard work and the public patience as we clear roads as quickly and thoroughly as possible.”
Allegheny County Emergency Services also has been busy preparing for this storm. It has activated its Emergency Operations Center to ensure rapid communication and coordination with the county’s 130 municipalities and their emergency management and public safety partners. The department also will be staffing additional telecommunications officers and dispatchers in the 9-1-1 center to properly handle increases in call volume during the storm.
“Our department has been planning and coordinating all week, working closely with Public Works, our public safety partners, and the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh to prepare for this winter storm,” said Allegheny County Emergency Services Chief Matthew Brown. “Coordination and readiness are key, and we continue to urge residents to plan, prepare, and prevent.”
There are multiple resources available to residents who experience issues during the storm:
- Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Road snow/ice issues: Call 9-1-1 on Saturday and Sunday. On weekdays, contact the entity responsible for maintaining the road. To find out who maintains a road, visit alleghenycounty.us/whoplowsmyroad. For an issue on a county road, call 412-350-4636 or submit a service request at callcenter.alleghenycounty.us.
- Shelter assistance:
- Families with children: Call the Department of Human Services’ Allegheny Link at 1-866-730-2368.
- Adults without children (pets welcome): Visit Second Avenue Commons (700 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219) to access the engagement center during the day and for free nightly transportation to the winter shelter at the Community Resource Mall (2610 Maple Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214).
- Basic needs assistance (including utility assistance): Contact PA 211 Southwest by calling 2-1-1 or 1‑855‑567‑5341 (alternate), or texting your zip code to 898-211.
- Rental unit heating issues: Property owners are required to heat their rental units to at least 68 degrees. Residents can report issues to the Health Department at 412-350-2645 or visit alleghenycounty.us/hce.
Residents who must drive during the storm are encouraged to take the following safety precautions:
- Check tires for tread and inflation, and ensure lights, wipers, fluids, and defrosters are in good working condition.
- Carry an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, first-aid supplies, warm clothing and blankets, a flashlight, a phone charger, a snow shovel, flares, and jumper cables.
- Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
- Add weight to rear-wheel-drive vehicles for traction.
- Drive slowly, allow extra travel time, avoid sudden stops or turns, maintain extra distance from other vehicles, and stay at least six car lengths behind salt trucks.
- Keep headlights and taillights on during snowfall for visibility.
Residents also are encouraged to follow these safety tips at home during the storm:
- Be prepared to stay home for up to 72 hours with a kit that includes food, water, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and medications.
- Protect pipes with insulation, weather-strip windows and doors, and use safe backup heating sources.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable items, and never use ovens or stovetops for heat.
- Dress in layers, and wear hats, gloves, and waterproof boots outdoors to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
- Avoid overexertion while shoveling snow. Take breaks to prevent heart issues and injuries.
Media inquiries may be directed to the Communications Office.
For contact information, including email addresses and telephone numbers, visit
the Communications webpage