Winter Storm Alert: Pennsylvania Braces for Holiday Travel Chaos

A winter storm is heading towards Pennsylvania, just in time for one of the busiest travel days of the holiday season. PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are taking action to keep roads safe. They are planning to limit certain vehicles on major highways and interstates. Drivers are being told to keep an eye on the weather. If they don't have to travel, they should stay home. If they must hit the road, they should be extra careful. The agencies have a website and app called 511PA where people can get the latest updates on road conditions and restrictions. Crews are already working to treat the roads before the storm hits. They are putting down salt to stop ice from forming. But officials warn that salt isn't a magic solution. It won't make the roads completely safe. Drivers should still expect icy spots, especially on bridges and highway ramps. Even roads that look wet could be icy because of freezing temperatures. Starting at 10 a. m. on Friday, some restrictions will go into effect. These will apply to Interstate 81 south of I-83 and all interstates west of I-81, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike's I-76 and I-70, and all western turnpike extensions. More restrictions will be added at 2 p. m. on Friday. These will affect I-81 north of I-83, Route 33, U. S. 22 between I-78 and Route 33, and all interstates east of I-81, including the eastern turnpike extensions.Under these restrictions, only certain commercial vehicles will be allowed. Specifically, loaded single trailers with chains or approved alternate traction devices. School buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs, motorhomes, and passenger vehicles towing trailers will not be permitted on affected roadways. Speed limits will also be reduced to 45 mph for all vehicles where restrictions are in place. Unaffected commercial vehicles must stay in the right lane. The storm is expected to cause major disruptions. AAA projects nearly 1. 4 million Philadelphia-area residents will travel during the year-end holiday period. More than 1. 2 million of these travelers, about 90%, are expected to drive. Friday is expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the season. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are likely to impact both road and air travel later in the day. Drivers are being advised to slow down and increase their following distance. They should use their headlights and hazard lights when necessary. They should also avoid distracted driving and carry emergency supplies. PennDOT data from last winter shows that 8, 329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2, 959 injuries occurred on snowy, slushy, or ice-covered roadways. Many of these deaths were linked to speeding for conditions or failure to wear a seat belt. Drivers can find a full list of impacted roadways and real-time updates through PennDOT resources and traveler information systems as conditions evolve.