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Keep bracing for the cold

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Jim McNutt/Observer-Reporter A 2 hour delay didn't change the bitter cold as Ashley Turner, 8, a 3rd grade student at Washington Elementary keeps bundled up while she and other students line up for the school bus Wednesday morning at Jollick Manor in Washington. Ashley lives with her grandmother, Chris Mallory.

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Jim McNutt/Observer-Reporter Even after a 2 hour delay for area schools due to the bitter cold with the wind chill below zero did little to help students at bus stops Wednesday morning. Students at Jollick Manor follow in line as they board the bus.

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Jim McNutt/Observer-Reporter Even after a 2 hour delay for area schools due to the bitter cold with the wind chill below zero did little to help students at bus stops Wednesday morning. Students at Jollick Manor line up to line to board the school bus.

Western Pennsylvania, including Washington and Greene counties, remains under a winter weather advisory today for wind chill.

The rather abrupt onset of frigid temperatures – it was in the 50s Sunday, according to National Weather Service of Pittsburgh – has many dreading the thought of leaving their homes. And Bill Modcelewski, Weather Service forecaster, said the brutal cold is here to stay until at least Monday.

“(Wednesday) will be one of the coldest nights this winter, with the wind chill making it around minus 10 or minus 15 degrees. It will linger into (Thursday morning),” Modcelewski said. “Sunday, it will start to rise above freezing, and the higher temps will last into the first half of next week.”

Roughly two inches of additional snow is expected before the weekend.

Washington School Superintendent Roberta DiLorenzo said the bitter cold already resulted in several two-hour delays for her district as well as others in the area. She said determining whether weather conditions warrant a school delay or closing is difficult.

“It’s a critical part of the job,” she said. “The safety and security of our students come first. Every superintendent has to tend to their own district and the variances and needs of their district.”

DiLorenzo said the process starts early on the day in question, at about 4:30 a.m.

“I reference weather applications and updates sent from the county,” she said. “There’s a lot to consider: temperature, roadway conditions. Grades seven through 12 walk to school.”

She said she makes her decision before 6 a.m. so families can make any necessary arrangements.

“Last year was a record year for delays and closings,” DiLorenzo said, when continual freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall plagued last winter.

Valerie Petersen, press secretary for District 12 of the state Department of Transportation, which services Washington, Westmoreland, Greene and Fayette counties, said road crews are doing their best to ensure safe travel. About 200 trucks are designated for the district, which covers more than 8,000 lane miles.

“Every area is different, and it is treated differently,” she said. “Crews know when to use salt and when to use anti-skid materials.”

While the cold can complicate matters, Petersen reminds motorists they have a responsibility to be prepared when driving in winter weather.

“Drivers need to make sure their tires are in good, working order and not bald. They should remove snow and ice from their vehicle and make sure their windshield wipers work,” she said. “They should also have certain items, like food, a flashlight and a cellphone charger in their vehicles. Look at your own personal scenario and have a plan.”

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