Winter Storm Hits Northern Pennsylvania, PennDOT Urges Caution

A winter storm is expected to impact northern Pennsylvania starting Wednesday evening, prompting the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to advise motorists to avoid unnecessary travel. The storm, which is forecasted to begin as snow in the northwest, will move eastward through Thursday and Friday, with significant snowfall anticipated in regions such as Erie and Crawford counties.

Heavy snowfall rates of up to one inch per hour are expected, coupled with wind gusts exceeding 30 mph. These conditions could lead to whiteouts and hazardous drifting, making travel particularly dangerous. In response, PennDOT will implement Tier 1 travel restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on November 27, limiting access on full lengths of Interstate 86 and Interstate 90.

Under the Tier 1 restrictions, several types of vehicles will be banned from the affected roadways. This includes tractors without trailers, unloaded cargo delivery trucks, and recreational vehicles, among others. Passenger vehicles towing trailers and commercial buses will also be restricted. During this period, speed limits on these routes will be reduced to 45 mph, and unaffected commercial vehicles are required to remain in the right lane.

In anticipation of worsening conditions, PennDOT is advising motorists to stay informed through 511PA, roadside message boards, and the 511PA app for real-time updates. Personalized alerts are also available for those who need them. While the agency strongly recommends remaining off the roads, it has provided guidance for those who must travel. This includes maintaining slow speeds, increasing following distances, using headlights, and avoiding sudden lane changes.

Drivers caught in a snow squall should activate hazard lights and avoid stopping in live traffic unless they can safely pull off the roadway. During whiteout conditions, PennDOT emphasizes that drivers should not attempt to pass slow-moving vehicles or accelerate to evade tailgaters. Additionally, it is crucial for drivers to clear ice and snow from their vehicles, including hoods, roofs, and trunks, as mandated by state law.

Snow-removal crews will be active throughout the storm, and PennDOT reminds drivers to keep a safe distance of six car lengths behind plow trucks, avoid their blind spots, and refrain from passing plows, especially during coordinated “plow trains.”

Last winter, Pennsylvania experienced 8,329 crashes, resulting in 29 fatalities and 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy, or ice-covered roads. Officials noted that 17 of these fatalities were attributed to drivers traveling too fast for conditions. The Pennsylvania State Police urge motorists involved in crashes to move their vehicles out of traffic if possible and to call 911 when injuries or disabled vehicles are involved.

In situations where drivers find themselves stuck in travel lanes, they should remain inside their vehicles with seat belts fastened, and only exit if it is safe to do so. The law also mandates that drivers remove accumulated snow and ice from their vehicles within 24 hours following a storm, with violations potentially leading to a $50 fine. Penalties may increase to $1,500 if dislodged ice causes serious injury or death.

State officials emphasize that the storm’s intensity will vary, but the consistent message remains: plan ahead, prepare emergency kits, and stay home if at all possible.