Update Jan. 25 7 at 7 a.m.
Speed Limits Reduced – Winter Storm Update
Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT has reduced speed limits to 45 mph on major roadways across South Central Pennsylvania, including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.
Affected roadways include:
I-78, I-81, I-83, I-283, US-15, PA-581, PA-283, US-30, US-222, and others.
Tier 4 vehicle restrictions are in place on several interstates. This means no commercial vehicles, and restrictions also apply to school buses, motor coaches, RVs, motorcycles, and vehicles towing trailers.
PennDOT urges motorists to avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, slow down, turn on headlights, increase following distance, and stay alert.
Please drive safely and give PennDOT crews room to work.
Washington County, Maryland, officials have declared a state of emergency as a major winter storm approached the region, with forecasters warning of heavy snowfall, hazardous travel and possible power outages over the weekend.
The declaration took effect at 11 a.m. Friday, allowing county departments to mobilize resources quickly and coordinate with state and local partners to prepare for the storm, which is expected to begin Saturday and continue through Sunday.
In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro declared a winter emergency, with driving and vehicle restrictions on many state highways. And the Borough of Waynesboro also declared a snow emergency, requiring that cars be removed from Main Street – between Clayton Avenue and Fairview Avenue and S. Potomac Street – between W. Main Street and Second Street. Vehicles not removed will be subject to a citation and may be removed by a towing service. The cost of the removal will be borne by the owners of the vehicle, police said.
Chambersburg is under a snow emergency effective 10:01 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, through 10:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26. Vehicles on streets parked near the Chambersburg Hospital marked “Snow Emergency Route” will be towed, borough officials said.
The Shippensburg Police Department also said that during this winter weather emergency, there will be public parking lots at 35 W. Orange St., W Burd Street parking lot, Memorial Park lot, and the Borough of Shippensburg Office lot at 111 North Fayette Street. The department notes that if your vehicle is towed from a snow lane, you may not be able to retrieve the vehicle until later next week depending on the availability of the tow company.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the area, predicting significant accumulations – with some forecasts suggesting 12 inches or more in parts of the area – along with poor visibility, dangerous road conditions and a risk of power outages.
“Declaring a State of Emergency allows us to mobilize our departments and coordinate with local and state partners to prepare for the incoming weather system,” said Alan Matheny, director of emergency management and communications in Washington County.
“We ask all residents to stay informed, limit travel during hazardous conditions and ensure emergency supplies are on hand.”
Crews are monitoring conditions and stand ready to respond. Officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel once snow begins falling, keep emergency kits stocked with essentials such as food, water, medications and flashlights, and stay updated through the local government websites, local news and official social media channels.
Power outages should be reported directly to utility providers, not through 911. Residents are also encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors, including older adults and those with disabilities or limited resources.
To receive direct emergency and weather alerts in Washington County, residents can text “WashCoMD” to 226787.
In Pennsylvania, the governor’s proclamation allows the state to tap into funding and provide state agencies with additional resources so they can help out counties and municipalities because of the proclamation.
“Our teams at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation have been working to prepare to support Pennsylvanians as this winter storm impacts our Commonwealth,” Shapiro said. “I signed a disaster declaration for the entire Commonwealth to ensure our agencies have all necessary resources ready to go. Stay off the roads if you can, be safe, and follow instructions from PEMA and your local authorities.”
The area is expected to get around a foot of snow during Sunday’s winter storm that will roll over into Monday. On top of that, temperatures are expected to be below freezing for the week.The storm is part of a broader weather system threatening much of the Mid-Atlantic.
In advance of the storm, PennDOT has instituted a commercial vehicle ban on all Pennsylvania interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, effective 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25. That includes school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles towing trailers are permitted on affected roadways.
- Affected roadways: All interstates, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and several U.S. routes (including U.S. 15, U.S. 22, U.S. 219, U.S. 220, U.S. 322, Route 28, and Route 33) are under restrictions.
- Speed restrictions: A 45 mph speed limit will be enforced for all vehicles on restricted highways.
- Individual road/bridge notices: Various bridge and route restrictions are in place, including Route 209 in Schuylkill County, I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge, and specific PA 61 and Route 309 projects.
Recommendations & safety measures:
- Avoid travel: Officials strongly advise staying off the roads.
- Real-time dates: Check 511PA.com for live traffic conditions, speed restrictions, and over 1,000 traffic cameras.
- Clear vehicles: Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof, hood, and trunk within 24 hours of a storm.
- Plow safety: Keep at least six car lengths behind operating plow trucks and do not pass them.
