Morning commutes in Butler County might be messy Wednesday.

A combination of light snow and heavy winds forecast for Wednesday morning suggests snow squalls could occur starting at 7 a.m. and continuing through the morning, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. The wintry weather will be due to a strong cold front coming in from over the Great Lakes, meteorologist Pat Herald said.

The combination of snow and wind, Herald said, might potentially create showers with “no visibility,” despite the amount of expected snowfall remaining low.

“It may create locally hazardous conditions,” Herald said.

The northern half of the county, Herald said, is more likely to see squalls than the lower.

Mike Mattis, the county PennDOT manager, said crews and equipment are ready for whatever snow comes, but that forecasts overall weren't looking like much beyond a regular winter weather event. This winter, so far, hasn't seen many such events, he said.

“We have enough trucks, manpower and salt to handle everything the weather is going to throw at us,” Mattis said.

He had two pieces of advice. If you see a salt and plow truck operating, it's best to stay behind it and not attempt to pass.

And if you find yourself driving in a snow squall, “be careful” and slow down, Mattis advised.

Herald gave similar advice.

“The main thing is just back off and leave more room between vehicles,” Herald said.

While PennDOT recommends motorists avoid traveling during winter storms if possible, for those motorists who must be on the road, PennDOT has some advice for safe driving during low visibility conditions.<li>• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.</li><li>• Turn on your headlights.</li><li>• Stay in your lane.</li><li>• Increase your following distance.</li><li>• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.</li><li>• Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.</li><li>• Use defroster and wipers.</li><li>• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.</li><li>• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.</li><li>• Use four-way flashers when traveling slowly.</li><li>• Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could create a chain-reaction collision.</li><li>• Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.</li>PennDOT also suggests that motorists pack an emergency kit for their vehicles which should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, a small shovel and warm clothes along with any special supplies needed for a specific passenger such as baby food, pet supplies or medications.