The National Weather Service was calling for 2 to 4.5 inches of snow in Butler on Saturday, followed by more snow on Sunday. Eagle file photo

Cary Shaffer

So far, this winter has brought relatively little snow to Butler County, but that could change this weekend.

As of 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, the National Weather Service was calling for 2 to 4.5 inches of snow in Butler on Saturday, followed by more snow on Sunday.

This is an increase over earlier predictions from the NWS, which had called for 3 inches of snow in the county this weekend.

“That is high enough accumulation that we have issued a winter weather advisory,” said Jason Frazier, meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Pittsburgh bureau.

The advisory, which was issued at 2:23 p.m. Friday, covers Butler County, as well as seven other surrounding counties in Western Pennsylvania. It goes into effect at 7 a.m. Saturday morning and expires at 10 p.m.

Updated probability maps from the NWS predict that Butler County has a 67% chance of receiving at least 2 inches of snow, and a 14% chance of receiving at least 4 inches.

If there is any saving grace for those who are traveling this weekend, black ice is not expected to form on the roads. According to Frazier, weather conditions over the weekend should not allow for it.

Black ice typically forms when snow melts upon contact with the ground, then refreezes later. Frazier doesn’t expect that to happen this weekend.

“There’ll be crews on the road laying down road treatments,” Frazier said. “Most likely scenario is the roads become covered in snow and visibility becomes reduced. This is not a scenario where black ice forms.”