Snow Squalls Create Challenges for USC Officials

A sudden burst of heavy snowfall and gusty winds around 8 a.m. Tuesday morning created challenges for the and .

The snow squall wasn't a surprise, but the timing of the weather was not ideal, according to Superintendent Patrick O'Toole and Public Works Director George Kostelich.

Dr. O'Toole said no weather-related problems were reported during the earlier bus runs, but the later bus runs—carrying and students—experienced delays Tuesday morning. He said parts of the district experienced more snow than others—the worst was near Cook School Road.

"We tell the drivers to be cautious and travel slowly," Dr. O'Toole said. "But we're lucky here in Upper St. Clair. We have a very responsive road crew."

However, Tuesday's snow squalls were tough for the local crews to keep up with.

"We know with these lake effect snow situations, when you get caught under a band—as we did this morning—you can get a quick two inches," Kostelich said. "The timing this morning was unfortunate. Everything (the roads) got congested, which prohibits crews from getting to the roadways."

The cold temperatures add to the problem. Upper St. Clair crews must use calcium chloride along with the salt in the colder tempertures to be able to melt any of the snow.

, of Bridgeville, told Upper St. Clair Public Works to expect another inch of snow through midnight, possibly more. There is also a chance for light snow flurries on Wednesday.

Kostelich said his crews would continue treating the roads.

"We're good on material and equipment, you just can't help the timing," Kostelich said. "We're throwing all of our resources at it."

What Goes Into a School Delay/Closing Decision

Some Upper St. Clair parents told Upper St. Clair Patch they were upset with the road conditions in which school children were expected to catch the bus on Tuesday morning.

Dr. O'Toole went through the "normal procedures" when deciding whether or not to delay or close the Upper St. Clair schools.

"First of all, the children's safety is paramount.

"This is winter in Pennsylvania and we're going to have snow on the ground," Dr. O'Toole said when asked about his decision not to delay school on Tuesday. "We can't always have shutdowns or school delays."

The process begins the night before. If a decision cannot be made, Dr. O'Toole wakes up at 4 a.m. to continue the decision-making process. He consults the transportation department who has someone that goes out and drives on the roads, he communicates with the township's road crews, he subscribes to a weather service which provides up-to-the-minute forecasts, and he speaks with other local school district officials. After, Dr. O'Toole tries to make his decision by 5 a.m., or no later than 6 a.m., so parents can plan accordingly.

"There are times when it's a tough call and we need a little more time to make a decision," Dr. O'Toole said. "A lot of effort goes into these decisions, it's not taken lightly.

"It's the least favorite part of my job. It's rarely an easy decision."

When do you think school should be delayed or canceled? Tell us in the comments.