County Executive Innamorato Declares Disaster Emergency for Allegheny County
PITTSBURGH – County Executive Sara Innamorato has declared a countywide disaster emergency following the significant winter storm that impacted Allegheny County from Saturday, January 24 through Monday, January 26. Total snowfall accumulations were between 10 to 14 inches, with localized higher amounts. Following this winter storm, extreme cold is expected to settle in for an extended period of time, at least through the next seven days.
Allegheny County Emergency Services (ACES) activated a hybrid Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in advance of this storm to coordinate response and preparedness efforts with the Department of Public Works, municipal public safety agencies and partners, and emergency management.
This disaster declaration enables the County to bypass normal procedures and immediately deploy all available resources for emergency response and recovery.
The text of the declaration follows:
WHEREAS, a significant winter storm impacted Allegheny County beginning Saturday, January 24, 2026, until Monday, January 26, 2026, with snowfall totals of 10 to 14 inches, hazardous travel conditions throughout the region, and extreme cold weather to follow; and
WHEREAS, forecasted conditions associated with this winter storm, including heavy accumulated snow, icy roadways, and extreme cold temperatures, pose a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of residents and may challenge local and county emergency response capabilities; and
WHEREAS, the anticipated impacts of this storm are expected to affect transportation infrastructure, emergency services, utilities, and access to critical resources across Allegheny County, requiring enhanced coordination and preparedness measures; and
WHEREAS, emergency management actions are necessary to protect life and property, ensure continuity of essential services, and allow for the efficient deployment of personnel, equipment, and resources before and during this event;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, the undersigned County Executive of the County of Allegheny, pursuant to the provisions of Section 7501 of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Code (35 Pa.C.S.A. §7501 et seq.), the Allegheny County Home Rule Charter, Article V, Section 2(n), and the Allegheny County Administrative Code, Article III, Section 311.06, as amended, do hereby declare the existence of a disaster emergency in Allegheny County.
FURTHERMORE, I direct the Allegheny County Emergency Services Coordinator to coordinate all emergency response efforts, take necessary actions to reduce the impact of this disaster, assist in restoring essential services, and implement all emergency response measures deemed necessary.
STILL FURTHER, I authorize officials of Allegheny County to take all necessary actions to meet the current emergency, including hiring temporary workers, renting equipment, purchasing supplies, and entering into emergency contracts, as permitted under §5-903.05 of the Allegheny County Administrative Code.
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