Residents across central Pennsylvania are preparing for another round of winter weather as a strengthening coastal Nor’easter brings additional snowfall late this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, light snow will begin developing late Saturday night, spreading from southwest to northeast. By daybreak Sunday, most areas could see a coating to two inches of accumulation.
Forecasters say Sunday’s snow will intensify as the coastal system strengthens, producing a plowable snowfall of a few to several inches across central Pennsylvania through Sunday night. Totals are expected to reach one to three inches in many locations, though locally higher amounts are possible depending on the storm track.
Travel conditions may deteriorate Sunday afternoon into Monday morning, with slippery roads and reduced visibility. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and use caution if traveling during periods of heavier snow.
Ahead of snow expected across Pennsylvania starting Saturday night, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are planning to implement vehicle restrictions on Interstates and the PA Turnpike beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. The agencies are also advising drivers to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel if possible and to exercise caution when driving.
Snow is expected across the Commonwealth starting overnight Saturday into Sunday, with potential snowfall rates of ¾” to 1 ½ “per hour.
Restrictions are planned for certain vehicles during the storm, and will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Drivers can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions permit. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT personnel.
The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22 in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-76 entire length.
- I-78 entire length.
- I-80 from I-81 to New Jersey.
- I-81 entire length.
- I-83 entire length.
- I-84 entire length.
- I-95 entire length.
- I-283 entire length.
- I-295 entire length.
- I-380 entire length.
- I-476 entire length.
- I-676 entire length.
- Route 33 entire length.
- U.S. 22 from I-78 to New Jersey.
- PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to PA Turnpike I-276.
- PA Turnpike I-276 entire length.
- PA Turnpike Northeast Extension I-476 entire length.
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
- Tractors without trailers.
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
- Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.
- Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.
- Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.
- School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.
- Motorcycles.
Speed limits may be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.
While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if drivers must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:
- Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
- Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
- Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
- Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
- Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
- Use your defroster and wipers.
- Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
- During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
- Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
- Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
- Always buckle up and never drive impaired.
- Have an emergency kit handy. Here are some suggestions of what you could include in your emergency kit.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways. Eleven of the people who died weren’t wearing a seat belt, and 17 of the fatalities were in crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane.
For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
Drivers can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras.
