Pennsylvania Prepares for Significant Winter Storm
Officials are encouraging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. PennDOT has announced a series of vehicle restrictions throughout the state due to the impending winter storm. Forecasters predict up to 8 inches of snow and sub-zero wind chills in certain areas. Speed restrictions and road closures will be updated on 511PA.com.
Vehicle Restrictions in Effect
At 6 a.m. Sunday, Tier 1 vehicle restrictions will affect the following roadways:
- PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to Morgantown (Exit 298)
- I-81 from the Maryland border to I-78 (Exit 89)
- I-83, entire length
- I-283, entire length
Additionally, Tier 1 restrictions will go into effect at 9 a.m. on I-81 from Exit 194 to the New York border.
Tier 1 Restrictions Prohibit:
- Tractors without trailers
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded trailers (enclosed, open, or tank)
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers
- Unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks (commercial motor vehicle definition)
- Passenger vehicles towing trailers
- Recreational vehicles/motorhomes
- School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches
- Motorcycles
At 6 a.m., Tier 3 restrictions will be implemented on these roadways:
- I-76 from the PA Turnpike to the New Jersey border
- PA Turnpike I-76 from Morgantown (Exit 298) to the New Jersey border
- I-95, entire length
- PA Turnpike I-95, entire length
- PA Turnpike I-276, entire length
- I-295, entire length
- I-476 from PA Turnpike I-476 to I-95
- PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Mid-County (Exit 20) to Lehigh Valley (Exit 56)
- I-676, entire length
At 9 a.m., additional Tier 3 restrictions will apply to these roads:
- I-78, entire length
- I-81 from I-78 to PA Turnpike 476
- I-80 from I-180 to the New Jersey border
- I-84, entire length
- I-380, entire length
- PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Lehigh Valley (Exit 56) to Clarks Summit (Exit 131)
- U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border
- Route 33, entire length
Tier 3 Restrictions Prohibit:
- Commercial vehicles (except loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices)
- School buses
- Commercial buses
- Motor coaches
- Motorcycles
- RVs/motorhomes
- Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers
Safety Advice for Motorists
The storm is expected to bring snowfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour. While road crews will be working to clear roads, conditions will be hazardous.
If you must travel during the winter storm, PennDOT offers these safety tips:
- Slow down and adjust speed to the conditions.
- Turn on your headlights, and hazard lights if caught in a snow squall.
- Stay in your lane and increase following distance.
- Remain alert and patient.
- Avoid distractions.
- Use your defroster and wipers.
- Keep windows and mirrors clear.
- If visibility is poor, stop completely only when it is safe to pull off the road.
- Do not stop in the flow of traffic.
- Do not pass slowly moving vehicles or speed up to avoid a tailgater.
- Always wear your seatbelt and never drive impaired.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Safety Around Snow-Removal Equipment
Drivers should exercise extra caution when around snow-removal equipment.
- Maintain a minimum of six car lengths behind plow trucks.
- Be aware that plows move slowly.
- When approached by a plow, move as far to the right as safely possible.
- Never attempt to pass or drive between multiple plows.
- Avoid traveling beside a plow due to blind spots.
- Turn on your lights to ensure the operator can see your vehicle.
What to Do in Case of a Crash
The Pennsylvania State Police offers this advice if you are involved in a crash:
- If possible, move your vehicle out of travel lanes.
- If a vehicle cannot be driven or anyone is injured, report the crash to 911.
- If disabled in a lane, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and hazard lights activated. If unsafe, move to a safe location away from the road.
- When approaching a crash scene, if possible, move over and slow down. Be aware of first responders.
Weather Updates
A winter storm watch is in effect for several counties, including Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Perry, Lebanon, Adams, York, and Lancaster. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the area.
Snowfall is expected to intensify throughout Sunday, with southern Pennsylvania predicted to receive between 4 and 6 inches by 7 p.m. The weather service said, snowfall will be “quick-hitting” and “potentially significant” with rates of more than 1 inch per hour possible between noon and 5 p.m. in parts of southern Pennsylvania.
Event Cancellations
Many events scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday have been canceled due to the storm. People planning to attend events should confirm their status.
