PennDOT Urges Caution During Weekend Weather

Rainfall, Cold Temperatures, and Snow Expected Through Saturday

CLEARFIELD – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 2 is alerting drivers that heavy rainfall, falling temperatures, and expected snow in the northcentral region could impact travel through Saturday. Rainfall overnight could cause roadway flooding and falling temperatures could then bring flash freezing and sleet. Snowfall will follow the rain, bringing added challenges for drivers. District 2 includes Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties.

Through much of the region, snow accumulations of up to 6 inches are possible, with as much as a foot of snow possible in northwest areas of the region. While accumulation could be slight in southern counties, winds and low temperatures could combine with the snowfall to make conditions slippery and challenging.

PennDOT recommends avoiding travel during winter storms if possible, but motorists who must be on the road are urged to use caution while driving and offers this advice:

• Don’t drive through standing water.
• Slow down and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
• Turn on your headlights.
• Increase your following distance.
• Reduce in-car distractions.
• Use defroster and wipers.
• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
• Use four-way flashers when traveling slowly.
• Always buckle up and never drink and drive.

PennDOT is prepared, with plow trucks and other equipment ready. Salt, anti-skid and other materials are in good supply. Crews will be working around the clock if necessary to keep roads safe and passable.

Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning. Motorists should leave plenty of space – six car lengths — when following a truck that is plowing or spreading winter materials.

To help make decisions as to whether to travel during winter weather, motorists are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 850 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the “Check My Route” tool.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should consider special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

PennDOT also reminds citizens that downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA. Citizens can find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the Web site or the toll-free line.

For more information on winter driving and PennDOT operations, visit www.penndot.gov/winter.

For regional updates on Twitter, follow www.twiiter.com\511PAStateCOLL

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