Winter Weather Warning: Pennsylvania Braces for Holiday Travel Challenges

Pennsylvania is gearing up for a winter storm that could make Friday's travel a bit tricky. While Pittsburgh might not see a White Christmas, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the area from Friday morning to Saturday morning. This is due to a second storm system, known as a "clipper, " which is expected to bring ice, sleet, and a bit of snow. The weather isn't the only thing causing headaches for travelers. PennDOT has announced that they will be limiting speed on interstates and restricting certain vehicles from using them. This is to ensure safety, as even a small amount of ice can be dangerous, especially on one of the busiest travel days of the year.The restrictions will start at 10 a. m. on Friday, affecting all interstates in Western Pennsylvania. Then, at 2 p. m. , restrictions will also be put in place for interstates east of I-81 and north of its intersection with I-83 near Harrisburg. Speed limits will also be reduced to 45 mph on affected routes. It's important to note that these restrictions are not just for fun. Last winter, there were over 8, 300 crashes on snowy, slushy, or ice-covered roadways in Pennsylvania. These crashes resulted in 29 fatalities and nearly 3, 000 injuries. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if drivers had been more cautious. So, if you're planning to travel this Friday, make sure to check the weather and road conditions before you hit the road. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to winter weather.