Bigger than expected: Winter storm causes havoc across central Pa.
This is near the Fishing Creek exit of I-83. (Photo: PennDOT)
(Undated) — The first taste of wintry weather this season has caused headaches across the region — after a storm brought more snow than
predicted.
Icy and treacherous roadways made for extra long commutes home and a busy day and night for plow truck driver, first responders and tow trucks.
The storm brought a record 8.3 inches of snow to Harrisburg and up to 10 inches in Upper Strasburg in Franklin County.
Tens of thousands of homes and businesses lost power and less than 6,000 remain without power this morning.
But, the biggest story was on the roads.
The snow, ice and freezing rain led to major problems as highways become congested and eventually closed — due to the number of disabled vehicles and crashes.
One example?
Interstate 83.
It was closed for hours between exits 40 and 28 — leading to stopped traffic.
A drive between say WITF and New Cumberland took more than 4.5 hours.
In Harrisburg, it took one woman more than 90 minutes to go eight city blocks.
A truck jackknifed on Interstate 81 near Fort Indiantown Gap on Thursday afternoon due to the slick roadways. (Photo: Courtesy of Donald Harris)
The Lower Allen Township Police Department in Cumberland County warned on a Facebook post that commuters should be patient as crews worked to get disabled vehicles off the road.
It also noted once you are out of your neighborhood, you should expect to sit in traffic — adding if you have the option to stay home, please do so.
Some schools that dimissed early saw buses return with students still onboard because they couldn’t complete their runs.
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