Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor gets first big snow response test during Sunday snowstorm

PITTSBURGH — Sunday’s major winter storm was the first big snow response test for Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor and his administration.

>>> LIVE UPDATES: Snow blanketing Pittsburgh region as biggest winter storm in years moves through <<<

Channel 11’s Gabriella DeLuca caught up with O’Connor to get an update on the day’s efforts.

O’Connor said three shifts were rotating to make sure there’s around-the-clock coverage for snow removal.

At that time, crews couldn’t put any salt on the roads, which they were working to clear of snow.

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Once the snow is cleared, that’s when they can start salting to make the streets safe for drivers.

“We’re going to continue to plow till the storm stops, then start treating with salts afterwards because the big worry is after the storm, the temperatures drop, and that’s going to be tough,” O’Connor told Channel 11.

More than 50 trucks will be working overnight through 6 a.m.

Channel 11 got an inside look at the command center in the City-County Building.

Officials were able to monitor the storm and response in real time. Cameras tracked intersections, and plows could be directed across the city.

We also asked if there were any major emergency incidents so far on Sunday, and O’Connor said they had a few breakdowns and people stuck in the snow, but overall, no significant emergencies.

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