Snow Expected Across Much of PA Tuesday, PennDOT Urges Drivers to Exercise Caution
Snow Tuesday to be followed by sleet and freezing rain Wednesday
Go to 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the most up-to-date information on weather impacts and vehicle restrictions
Harrisburg, PA – Ahead of anticipated winter weather across much of the state Tuesday into Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and to exercise caution when driving. Additionally, PennDOT will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.
Snow is expected to begin mid-morning in southwest PA, spreading east and north, followed by freezing rain throughout much of the state. PennDOT crews will actively pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement. However, salt does not resolve all risks, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form.
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. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions are safe. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT and PA Turnpike personnel.
The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 11, in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if motorists must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:
When winter weather occurs, drivers should be extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 151 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 55 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
The Pennsylvania State Police offers this advice if you are involved in a crash:
The law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, drivers can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.
Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their cars before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cell phone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.
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.
Motorists 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 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
To report an incident or emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 on your mobile phone. The PA Turnpike will provide updates on their social channels, on their roadway and at all service plazas.
Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts or subscribe to news in a specific county or region. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram. The PA Turnpike will provide updates on their social channels, on their roadway and at all service plazas.