Ice Storm in Pittsburgh

[ohiostorm]

This morning around 630a light rain started falling around Pittsburgh and the tri- state area. The temperatures were just below freezing so all the rain froze on impact. From 700a to around 930a, all major freeways within and around the city were closed as well as around western PA, northern panhandle of WVA and eastern Ohio. I believe this was the first time since 1993 that all roads were closed in the city of Pittsburgh. Anywhere from .10" to .30" of ice accumulation was measured. There were a lot of wrecks including one resulting in one death. No one expected the ice to be this bad. Warmer air was supposed to move into the area before the rain started to fall, and only northern counties would see some localized icy spots. This was a very widespread event. It happened so quickly that it caught everyone off guard. Pure example of black ice and how disasterous it can be.

Here is a link to the news article from the Post Gazette... http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09347/1020705-455.stm

[Ntxw]

Seems very bad, I hope everyone stayed home and off the roads or made it home safely. The south is often times given bad rep for not being able to drive in snow but the reality is, more times than not the real situation is this type of ice (whether it be sleet or freezing rain).

[severe]

Sorry to hear about this tragic event.
You have absolutely no control on black ice.
Last time I had to drive on frozen roads was back on December 22nd, 1989. Was on Bay Area Blvd (Webster, Clear Lake Texas area) and had my older brother with me doing some last minute Christmas shopping. Anyways, we were stuck at a red light and the vehicle in front of me started sliding to the right. Made a comment to my brother like, "look at that idiot" and the next thing I know my pickup started sliding only stopped by the curb.
Drove very cautiously after that.

[ohiostorm]

There was a lot of people on the roads before it started and got trapped. It caught everyone off guard. I am not sure why PennDOT wasn't prepared. They had possible ice in the forecast. They are usually sitting on the side of the highways waiting. Unless they were, and couldn't move.