WJPA News

Governor Josh Shapiro signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency to make resources available to prepare for and support response efforts for the upcoming winter storm which will impact Pennsylvania this weekend.  “Our teams at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have been working to prepare to support Pennsylvanians as this winter storm impacts our Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Today, I signed a disaster declaration for the entire Commonwealth to ensure our agencies have all necessary resources ready to go. Stay off the roads if you can, be safe, and follow instructions from PEMA and your local authorities.” The Governor’s disaster declaration will allow the Commonwealth to quickly draw down funding and provide state agencies with the resources needed to assist counties and municipalities with winter storm response efforts. The 2025-26 budget, signed into law by Governor Shapiro, doubled the amount of state funding available from $20 million to $40 million to enable state agencies to respond to disasters in the Commonwealth to keep visitors and residents safe.

Washington County Emergency Management officials say they are prepared for a massive winter storm that is expected to bring at least eight to twelve inches of snow to the area.  A Winter Storm Warning is in effect through Monday afternoon at one, with the most snow expected on Sunday.  Director Gerry Coleman says they are bringing in extra bodies to staff the 911 Center through the storm and are monitoring the situation very closely.  Local governments are also taking measures to ensure residents are safe and roads get cleared.  Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess says crews are ready to hit the roads as soon as it begins to snow and will work as needed to keep them clear.  He says they have a plan to attack the snowfall, starting with the well-traveled roads and working their way down to side streets and alleyways.  Burgess is asking residents who lived on “tight” streets or alleys where parking is allowed on both sides of the road, to please park off the street or on one side so plows and trucks can get through and clear the roadways.

In Canonsburg, Mayor David Rhome says they are also fully prepared and ready to hit the streets as the snow falls.  In addition, Rhome is also asking residents to park off the streets entirely, if possible.  Rhome is also warning that authorities will be monitoring the shoveling of snow.  He says people tend to shovel their driveways and sidewalks and throw the snow onto the road.

Charleroi Borough Manager Joe Manning released their safety plans as well.  He says Public Works personnel will be on mandatory overtime until the worst of the event is over; the fire department will be manned around the clock for the same time period;  three private contractors are being contacted to supplement the Public Works Department if need be; crews will close and barricade both 10^th and 11^th Streets for the duration of the event and until such time as those streets can be made safely passable and the borough will inform the public through the  Savvy Citizen app, social media and legacy media.

Once the storm has moved through, a stretch of bitter cold weather lies ahead, and warming shelters will be open and available to those who may need them.  For a complete listing, Click Here.

Ahead of heavy snow expected across Pennsylvania starting Saturday night, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are planning to implement vehicle restrictions across Pennsylvania’s Interstate network. The agencies are also advising drivers to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel if possible and to exercise caution when driving.   The restrictions will affect ALL Pennsylvania interstates including:

• • PA Turnpike I-76
  • PA Turnpike I-70
  • All PA Turnpike extensions.
• U.S. 15 from I-180 to the New York border.
• U.S. 22 from Route 66 to I-99.
• U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border.
• U.S. 219 from U.S. 30 to U.S. 22.
• U.S. 220 from I-80 to I-180.
• U.S. 322 from Interstate 99 to I-81.
• Route 28 from I-279 to U.S. 422.
• The entire length of Route 33.

On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motor-homes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUV s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.  Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

Catholics in two local dioceses have been dispensed from their Sunday Mass obligation due to the major winter storm expected this weekend.  Pittsburgh Bishop Mark Eckman and Greensburg Bishop Larrk Kulick granted dispensations for their respective dioceses on Friday, as the region prepares for the most significant snowfall in years.  Local weather conditions may vary, the dioceses say. Parishioners are urged to check parish websites and social media pages or call their parish office before going out.  Those who are able can attend a Saturday vigil Mass, where available, the dioceses say. Those who can’t attend may read scripture, watch a live-streamed or televised Mass or make a spiritual communion.  The dioceses also encourage parishioners to look out for neighbors during the storm, especially the elderly, people who live alone or those who may need assistance.

South Strabane Township Supervisors held their second special meeting in a week concerning the reopened 2026 budget. After a three hour workshop on Monday, supervisors previewed the new spending plan. The current budget calls for $8.772 million in revenue and $8.738 million in expenditures. The revised plan calls for $8.501 million in revenues and $8.487 million in expenditures. According to supervisor Zack Morgan, errors in calculations were discovered and adjusted to accurately reflect revenues. Morgan says that there were two major factors, building permit fees are split between the township and consulting firm Code.Sys. That makes up $120,000 in decreased revenue. Morgan also stated that Act 13 monies that were calculated at $250,000 are more likely to be in the range of $180,000. Morgan said that even though all departments will see an increase in funding, the township will lay off one employee and cease funding the Parks and Recreation department. The layoff will be for an administrative assistant/emergency services specialist that also supports the township with other administrative tasks. Fire Chief Jordan Cramer calls the layoff a blow to his department that will create more stress to his staff. Lois Gnagey, vice chairperson of the Parks and Recreation department is mad because the residents will not have Community Day, Easter Egg Hunts, Breakfast with Santa or bus trips that are popular with adults. The new budget will be available for inspection after the January 27 voting meeting. Supervisors plan to hold a special voting meeting on February 11 to formally adopt the new budget.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian attacks on Ukraine have killed one person and wounded 23 overnight, as negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were set to met in Abu Dhabi for a second day of talks aimed at ending Moscow’s nearly four-year invasion. Officials said one person died and four were wounded in Kyiv, while 19 were wounded in Kharkiv on Saturday. The talks, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, mark the first known instance of Trump administration officials meeting with both countries. The White House called the first day productive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a peace deal was “nearly ready,” though territorial disputes remain unresolved.

NEW YORK (AP) — Officials say firefighters are battling a blaze on the top two floors of a high-rise apartment in New York City. The New York City Fire Department said the 4-alarm fire in the Bronx started shortly after midnight on Saturday and spread to multiple apartments in the 17-story building. There was no immediate word on what caused the fire. Fire officials said more than 200 fire and emergency crew were working at the scene. It was not immediately clear if anyone had been injured.