EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU-TV) — Ahead of an anticipated, major winter storm in Central and Northeast Pennsylvania Wednesday, PennDOT is reminding drivers to use caution on the roadways.
In addition to using caution, PennDOT is implementing restrictions on trucks and other vehicles on certain roadways around the state.
Beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, a speed limit restriction of 45 mph will be imposed for all vehicles, along with restrictions for certain vehicles allowed on certain roadways. The 45 mph speed limit restriction includes Interstate 80, Interstate 180 and Interstate 81 in Luzerne County.
At 4 p.m. additional vehicles will be restricted. PennDOT is using its Weather Event Vehicle-Restriction Plan.
PennDOT says drivers should be alert for sudden squalls that quickly cause roads to become snow covered. Heavy squalls also can cause whiteout conditions, eliminating a driver’s visibility.
Falling temperatures and blowing and drifting snow can cause icy areas on roadways, including overpasses and bridges.
When facing snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow while driving, PennDOT offers this advice:
- Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions
- Turn on your headlights
- Stay in your lane and increase your following distance
- Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient
- Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required
- Use your defroster and wipers
- Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice
- During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway
- Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision
- Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely
- Always buckle up and never drive impaired
PennDOT urges drivers not to travel during a winter storm of this expected magnitude, but if necessary motorists can check conditions on 40,000 roadway miles with PA 511.
You can follow the latest on closures and updates from the Eyewitness Weather team here on PAhompage.com.
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