Butler sees first snowfall of season; black ice possible Thursday
The weather cooperated Wednesday, Nov. 1, for those who are quick to dismiss fall festivities and haul out Christmas decorations at the start of November.
A light layer of white snow covered Butler County on Wednesday morning, prompting people to dig out their heavy winter coats and leaving roads slippery for motorists.
Between midnight to noon Wednesday, Nov. 1, 20 vehicle crashes were reported, according to Butler County dispatcher Nate Blackwood.
He said the crashes were spread out throughout the county. Most were minor with no major injuries, he added.
One crash, reported around 8 a.m. on Route 422 eastbound near the Lyndora-Butler exit, prompted first responders to block a lane of traffic.
No injuries were reported in the two-vehicle crash, according to dispatch. The scene was clear by 9 a.m.
On Main Street in Butler, Bill May, local historian, was accompanied by his dog Denver through the snowy streets.
“It sure makes it feel like the Christmas season is just around the bend,” he said.
In Slippery Rock, a couple could be seen walking down New Castle Street past snow-covered pumpkins.
According to meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, northern regions of the county received 2 to 3 inches of snow over Tuesday evening, whereas the southern municipalities saw just a dusting.
Meteorologist Tim Cermak said the 38 degree temperature Wednesday afternoon could melt some of the snow, but on Wednesday night, temperatures could be as low as 23 degrees.
“In the morning (Thursday), black ice may be a concern if anything’s melted and not yet dried,” he said.
Snow was expected to fall over Butler in flurries until 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Cermak added that no snow or rain is expected in Thursday’s forecast, and temperatures are estimated to be in the mid-40s.
