PennDOT has announced travel restrictions on a number of state roads ahead of a winter storm expected to bring up to 6 inches of snow Friday and Saturday across Pennsylvania.
The storm is expected to begin as freezing rain Friday morning in western Pennsylvania before turning to snow in the eastern part of the state by afternoon, according to a PennDOT news release.
The department of transportation has issued Tier 3 restrictions on a number of roads, which means no commercial vehicles are allowed except loaded single trailers with chains or approved traction devices. School buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs and vehicles towing trailers are not allowed on the road while those restrictions are in place.
Tier 3 restrictions go into effect at 10 a.m. Friday on the following roads:
- Interstate 81, south of Interstate 83
- All Pennsylvania interstates west of I-81 including I-70 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76)
Tier 3 restrictions go into effect at 2 p.m. Friday on the following roads:
- I-81, north of I-83.
- All interstate highways east of I-81, including I-78
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76, I-276 and I-476)
- Route 22 between I-78 and Route 33Route 33, entire length
Additional restrictions, including reduced speed limits, are likely during the storm.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for much of the state Friday into Saturday. The weather service is urging people to consider delaying all travel during the storm.
Anyone who must drive should consider bringing a winter storm kit with items such as flashlights, shovels, blankets, extra clothing “and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded,” according to the weather service.
