Winter Weather DME

The National Weather Service said Butler will avoid the worst of freezing rain forecasts heading into the evening, though residents traveling elsewhere should be cautious.

Temperatures will drop back down to freezing levels early Saturday morning.

“We still have rain continuing on into this evening. Most places in Butler have moved above freezing. There may be a few spots left in next couple hours getting freezing rain, but that threat is over for Butler,” said meteorologist Jared Rackley Friday evening. “Overnight, it will cool back down into lower 30s, upper 20s. Water on roads could refreeze, create slick spots, but we warm up pretty quickly after sunrise.”

Rackley said it looks like northeast of Butler is the main area of concern for ice storm warnings, including Venango, Jefferson and possibly parts of Armstrong counties.

However, temperatures should be back into the 50s by Sunday afternoon, Rackley said.

Agencies have put out warnings to Pennsylvanians to be cautions in freezing rain conditions this weekend.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is warning residents to prepare for potential power outages.

“With Pennsylvania and much of the Northeast facing a substantial post-Christmas winter storm — including heavy snow, ice, strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures — the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is urging residents to prepare now for potential power outages and to take steps to stay safe during severe winter weather,” a news release said.

PPUC is also reminding residents to use caution when traveling near utility crews working to restore service.

“Slowing down and giving crews plenty of space helps protect workers and the public during storm response efforts,” the release said.