Sewickley Schools Closed Today

Sewickley Academy, St. James School, and all Quaker Valley schools are all closed today because of the winter storm.

Kindergarten round-up appointments are also canceled, said Martha Smith, Quaker Valley district spokeswoman.  School officials were hoping to continue with the appointments when they announed a two-hour delay Monday evening, but weather conditions have made it impossible.

Smith said the make-up day is Friday; appointments scheduled for today will be honored on Friday.

All Quaker Valley and Sewickley Academy sports, activities and events are also canceled today.

Although it canceled service after 10 last night because of poor road conditions, the Port Authority of Allegheny County had most of its buses on the road as of 6:30 a.m. today. Buses are still having trouble on uncleared side streets.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. today, and motorists are warned to stay off the snowy, icy roads.

According to the National Weather Service, 8.4 inches of snow fell at Pittsburgh International Airport in Moon Township last night, which was a record for Feb. 21. The previous mark was 3 inches in 1929.

An accumulation of 3 to 6 inches of snow was expected, with the heaviest snowfall occurring before midnight. Around  1/10 of an inch of ice accumulation was also expected, according to the weather service.

"A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring," the weather service reported. "Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency."

Snow, sleet and freezing rain moved into the area as temperatures dropped, according to the National Weather Service.