Weather

With heavy snow forecast for tonight and tomorrow, PennDOT is advising motorists in north central Pennsylvania to take extra care when driving in winter weather.

The department recommends refraining from all unnecessary travel. Those who must travel should slow down and drive according to conditions they encounter when the storm hits.

Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, a speed restriction will be in place on Interstate 80, Interstate 180 and Route 15 in north central Pennsylvania. Speeds will be reduced to 45 miles per hour on those roadways.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today reminded Pennsylvanians to prepare for the coming winter weather, and assured residents that state agencies are taking steps to ensure they and local communities are ready to respond and prepared for the worst.

Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on interstates and other roadways in the region.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on Interstate 80, Interstate 180 and other roadways in the region.

Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

UPDATE: Speed Limits Restored on Roadways in the Region

Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the north central Pennsylvania region.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on Interstate 80 and Interstate 180.

With wintry winds and snow in the forecast today through late afternoon, PennDOT is reminding motorists in north central Pennsylvania to slow down, pay attention and use caution on area roadways, especially during snow squalls that may occur.

Motorists always should be alert for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning and quickly cause roads to become snow covered. Heavy squalls also can cause whiteout conditions, virtually eliminating a driver’s visibility.

If motorists do encounter snow squalls while traveling, PennDOT offers this advice:

Update: PennDOT has restored speed limits on affected roadways

Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on Interstate 80 and Interstate 180.

PennDOT is advising motorists in north central Pennsylvania to take extra care when driving in winter weather.

The department currently is treating roads in the region and will continue to do so in preparation for snow, sleet and freezing rain forecast for tonight into tomorrow morning.

Drivers still could encounter slick spots on the roadway, especially on bridges and overpasses. PennDOT reminds motorists to slow down and drive according to the conditions they encounter when winter storms hit.

As the winter season continues, Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) are urging motorists to prepare their vehicles and take time to familiarize themselves with winter safety laws as part of Winter Driving Awareness Week, running through January 14.

"You can take just a few simple steps to be prepared and help keep you and others safe," Governor Wolf said. "I urge all Pennsylvanians to prepare for winter driving and upcoming inclement weather."

Motorists in north central Pennsylvania are advised that PennDOT is pre-treating roads today in advance of the potential winter weather forecast to begin this evening.

Anti-icing, as it is called, involves wetting the highway with salt brine before a storm’s arrival. The solution lowers the freezing point of water and slows or prevents ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm.

The speed restriction placed on Interstate 80 in north central Pennsylvania has been lifted. On Monday, PennDOT temporarily reduced the speed limit on Interstate 80 in Union, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties to 45 miles per hour.

PennDOT crews will continue treating roadways in the region until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

PennDOT asks motorists to give plow trucks plenty of room to operate. Increase traveling distance when following plow trucks and do not attempt to pass them.