PennDOT braces for expected snowfall

(Harrisburg) — PennDOT is preparing for this weekend’s expected winter storm.

Across the listening area, the National Weather Service in State College is forecasting three to six inches of snow, with four to eight inches possible in Mifflin and Juniata counties. Another inch or two could fall across the midstate tomorrow night as well.

A winter storm warning goes into effect for the entire region tomorrow morning at 5:00 until 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

PennDOT is warning drivers to use caution and delay traveling until after the storm has passed, if possible. The agency says crews will focus on clearing interstates and expressways first, which is its protocol during any storm.

Motorists are being reminded to to slow down on snow or ice-covered roads and increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Drivers also need to be extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment.

PennDOT recommends vehicles should have an emergency kit including items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Additionally, motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families have. Travelers should consider adding such items as baby supplies, extra medication, pet supplies, or even children’s games.

Motorists can check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, average traffic speeds on urban interstates and access to more than 650 traffic cameras. 511PA also provides easy-to-use, color-coded winter road conditions for all interstates and other routes covered in the 511 reporting network. Access to 511PA is also available by calling 5-1-1.

For more information on PennDOT’s winter operations, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/winter.

witf is compiling a list of closings and cancellations of events across the region, as a result of the expected storm.