Pittsburgh Area Continues Snow Cleanup After Historic Storm

Crews work around the clock to clear roads and neighborhoods three days after major snowfall

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Snow cleanup efforts continue across the Pittsburgh region three days after a historic winter storm dumped significant snowfall, leaving many roads and neighborhoods impassable. City and municipal crews have been working around the clock to clear main thoroughfares and side streets, removing over 10,000 tons of snow so far. While progress has been made, some business owners have resorted to renting their own equipment to supplement the municipal efforts, and certain neighborhoods still remain difficult to access.

Why it matters

The prolonged snow cleanup effort highlights the challenges faced by local governments in responding to extreme winter weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Efficient snow removal is crucial for maintaining public safety, allowing emergency services access, and supporting local businesses and the economy. The storm also underscores the need for improved infrastructure and resource planning to better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of severe winter storms.

The details

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor reported that the city has removed more than 10,000 tons of snow so far, utilizing 47 city trucks and dozens of contractors. However, some business owners, like Joseph Rewis of Bigham Tavern, have had to rent their own equipment to clear parking areas due to the city's overwhelmed resources. Other municipalities, such as Sharpsburg, have also declared states of emergency and brought in outside contractors to supplement their snow removal efforts. The main challenge facing crews is dealing with the freezing temperatures, which turn wet roads into icy conditions.

  • The historic winter storm hit the Pittsburgh area on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
  • Snow cleanup efforts have been ongoing for the past three days, since the storm struck.

The players

Corey O'Connor

The mayor of Pittsburgh, who has overseen the city's snow removal efforts.

Joseph Rewis

The owner of Bigham Tavern, who rented equipment to clear the parking area around his business due to the city's overwhelmed resources.

Tom Bell

The chief of the Greensburg Fire Department and head of the Department of Public Works and Operations, who has been leading the snow removal efforts in Greensburg.

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What they’re saying

“The city is just overwhelmed right now with all the trucks that are broke down and everything else that is going on in the other neighborhoods with impassable streets. So, we decided with the weather being what it is for the next week, it's not going anywhere unless we move it.”

— Joseph Rewis, Bigham Tavern owner (cbsnews.com)

“We're pretty good. We've gotten everything pretty caught up. All the main roads are pretty wide open. We have been working on the last couple of days removing snow from the downtown area. Believe it or not, we were probably hauling anywhere from about 200 to 225 loads a day for the last three days.”

— Tom Bell, Chief of the Greensburg Fire Department and head of the Department of Public Works and Operations (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The city of Pittsburgh and surrounding municipalities will continue their snow removal efforts in the coming days, focusing on clearing side streets and neighborhoods to ensure access for residents and emergency vehicles. Crews will also work to widen passable streets and remove snow from downtown areas.

The takeaway

The prolonged snow cleanup in the Pittsburgh region underscores the need for improved infrastructure, resource planning, and coordination between local governments to better prepare for and respond to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme winter weather events driven by climate change. Efficient snow removal is crucial for maintaining public safety, supporting local businesses, and ensuring the overall resilience of communities.