Ahead of anticipated winter weather across much of Pennsylvania today, the state Department of Transportation is advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving.
PennDOT will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.
According to Accuweather.com, Lebanon can expect a coating of snow to an inch from the storm, which was expected to begin around 3 a.m. and end by 4 p.m. Most of the snow is expected to accumulate before noon, according to the Accuweather website.
Heavier bursts of snow can reduce visibility and cause slippery roadways, the forecast warns.
The forecast includes a wind advisory from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. According to the forecast, Lebanon County residents could see winds from the west at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph. That’s sufficient to blow around unsecured objects, dislodge tree limbs and down power lines, Accuweather says.
PennDOT crews will actively pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm, according to a press release. However, salt does not resolve all risks, the release states, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway.
With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form.
Restrictions are planned for certain vehicles during the storm, and will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website.
On roadways where vehicles are not restricted, commercial vehicle drivers in particular are encouraged to exercise caution in high winds. Drivers should ensure their loads are secure, reduce speeds, increase following distance, and use flashers if necessary, PennDOT says.
“Drivers always should be alert for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning and quickly cause roads to become snow covered,” the release states. “Heavy squalls also can cause whiteout conditions, virtually eliminating a driver’s visibility. Additionally, falling temperatures and blowing and drifting snow can cause icy areas on roadways, including overpasses and bridges.”
The National Weather Service issues snow squall warnings to alert motorists of potentially hazardous travel, PennDOT says. Anyone who receives a snow squall warning should delay travel or exit the highway at the earliest opportunity.
While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers the following advice to motorists who encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:
- Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
- Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
- 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.
When winter weather occurs, drivers should extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:
- Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
- Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.
- When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.
- Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a “plow train.” The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles.
- Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can’t see, and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.
- Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle’s wipers are on due to inclement weather.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 151 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 55 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
State law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicles, including the hood, trunk, and roof, within 24 hours after a storm has ended. Violators are subject to a fine of $50, although drivers can be fined up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.
Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their cars before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cellphone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.
For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
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