Ahead of an expected winter storm in northern Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) advises drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution. The storm is set to begin Wednesday evening with snow in the northwest, moving east through Thursday into Friday. Erie and Crawford counties may experience snowfall rates of one inch per hour and wind gusts over 30 mph.
PennDOT plans to implement speed and vehicle restrictions during the storm, communicated via message boards, the 511PA website, and smartphone apps. Restrictions will start at 12:01 AM on Thursday, November 27, under Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan. Affected roadways include Interstate 86 and I-90 for their entire lengths. Vehicles such as tractors without trailers, lightly loaded trucks, passenger vehicles towing trailers, recreational vehicles, school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, and motorcycles are not permitted on these roads during restrictions.
Speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph on these roadways while restrictions are in place. Commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions must stay in the right lane. Additional speed restrictions could be added based on conditions.
PennDOT advises motorists who must travel to slow down gradually according to conditions, use headlights and hazard lights during snow squalls, maintain lane discipline and following distance, avoid distractions, use defrosters and wipers effectively, and keep windows clear of snow and ice. In whiteout conditions, stopping should only occur when safely off-road.
Drivers should be cautious around snow-removal equipment by maintaining a safe distance from plow trucks and avoiding passing them or traveling next to them due to blind spots.
Last winter in Pennsylvania saw 8,329 crashes resulting in 29 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries on snowy or icy roads. The Pennsylvania State Police advise that if involved in a crash where vehicles can still move safely out of traffic lanes they should do so immediately; otherwise report it by dialing 911.
State law requires removing accumulated ice or snow from vehicles within 24 hours after a storm ends. Violations incur fines up to $50 or $1,500 if dislodged ice causes injury or death.
For more information on safe winter travel visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter or check real-time road conditions at www.511PA.com which offers traffic delay warnings and access to traffic cameras.
Information from this article can be found here.
