Winter Storm Hits Northern Pennsylvania; Travel Warnings Issued

A winter storm is set to impact northern Pennsylvania, prompting the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to issue urgent travel warnings. Starting on the evening of November 27, 2023, the storm is expected to blanket the region with significant snowfall, particularly affecting Erie and Crawford counties, where snowfall rates could reach one inch per hour. Wind gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour may lead to hazardous whiteout conditions.

To ensure public safety, Tier 1 travel restrictions will be enforced starting at 12:01 a.m. on November 28. These restrictions will apply to the full lengths of Interstate 86 and Interstate 90. Under these measures, certain vehicle types will be prohibited from accessing the affected roadways, including:

– Tractors without trailers
– Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded trailers
– Unloaded cargo delivery trucks classified as commercial vehicles
– Passenger vehicles towing trailers
– Recreational vehicles and motorhomes
– School buses and commercial buses
– Motorcycles

As part of the restrictions, speed limits on these routes will drop to 45 miles per hour, and unaffected commercial vehicles are required to stay in the right lane. Additional measures may be implemented if conditions worsen.

PennDOT is advising motorists to monitor real-time updates via 511PA, roadside message boards, and the 511PA app. Personalized alerts are also available for those who need them. While the agency strongly recommends staying off the roads during the storm, it offers guidance for those who must travel. Key advice includes maintaining slow speeds, increasing following distances, using headlights, and avoiding sudden lane changes.

In the event of being caught in a snow squall, drivers should activate hazard lights and refrain from stopping in live traffic unless they can safely pull off the roadway. During whiteout conditions, PennDOT warns against attempting to pass slow-moving vehicles or accelerating to escape tailgaters. It is essential to clear all windows, mirrors, and vehicle roofs of ice and snow, as required by state law.

Snow-removal crews will remain active throughout the storm. PennDOT emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance from plow trucks—advising drivers to stay six car lengths behind, avoid their blind spots, and never attempt to pass plows, particularly when they are working in coordinated “plow trains.”

Last winter, Pennsylvania experienced a total of 8,329 crashes on snowy or icy roads, resulting in 29 fatalities and 2,959 injuries. Officials noted that 17 of those fatalities involved drivers who were traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions. The Pennsylvania State Police urge motorists involved in accidents to move their vehicles out of traffic if possible, call emergency services when injuries or disabled vehicles are involved, and remain inside their vehicles with seat belts fastened if they are stuck in travel lanes.

State law mandates that drivers remove accumulated snow and ice from their vehicles within 24 hours after a storm. Failure to comply may result in a fine of $50, with penalties escalating to $1,500 if dislodged ice leads to serious injury or death.

In light of the approaching storm, officials stress the importance of planning ahead, preparing emergency kits, and staying home whenever possible.