File photo (by John Sikora).
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Leslie S. Richards today advised drivers that low temperatures, high winds, and timing near morning commutes mean caution should be used and adjust travel times if necessary.
Drivers in the northwest region who could see up to 18 inches of snow into the weekend should also consider postponing unnecessary travel if conditions warrant.
“PennDOT is fully prepared with staff, materials and equipment for this storm,” Richards said. “However, salt is less effective at colder temperatures and gusting winds will impact visibility and driving conditions.
“We urge drivers to not be complacent even if their area isn’t expected to see several inches of snow – they must slow down, allow extra time in their commutes, and leave plenty of room around our plows and other vehicles.”
If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions, says PennDOT. Last winter in Pennsylvania, there were 252 crashes resulting in 129 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
Separately, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Hunterdon County from Wednesday evening through Thursday. Two or more inches of now are forecast by the county, and gusty winds may result in power outages. Extremely dangerous wind chills are possible for Friday and Saturday, said county officials, and residents should prepare for wintry weather and potential power outages in advance.
Correct Don. The reason I decided to live outside of my beloved NJ (but just a 9 iron away, in PA) was the calculus of weighing the value of $10k/yr in property tax vs the cost of being confined to my house an extra few hours whenever there’s a big snowstorm. I will opt for the 10 large and live with a few less plows on the Bucks Cty streets.
How thoughtful of PennDOT. I wish they would take a ride across the river on some winter days and compare the road conditions in PA with those in NJ. My experiences driving in PA after a snow storm have been just short of a nightmare. Shameful for a state that promotes tourism. NJ gets high marks in my opinion.
Thanks for the update!