PennDOT Ready for Winter Storm, Urges Motorists in North Central Pennsylvania to Limit Travel
MONTOURSVILLE, PA-With rain forecasted to turn to snow this evening and through the overnight hours, Sunday, December 10, 2023, through Monday, December 11, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 3 is advising motorists in north central Pennsylvania to be aware of changing weather conditions and limit travel if possible.
The department is prepared and has sufficient amounts of salt and anti-skid on hand. Crews will be treating roads in the region during the storm and until roads are clear.
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, rainfall will continue throughout the day into the early evening, which could cause isolated flooding in some locations. PennDOT cautions motorists to never drive through flooded roadways, as it takes just two feet of fast-moving water to float a car. Anyone who drives around barriers intended to close a road can face increased penalties if emergency responders are called to rescue motorists who disregard traffic control signs.
During the evening hours on Sunday, December 10, 2023, weather predictions call for air temperatures to drop, changing rain to snow, which could cause potential slick conditions. Road surfaces, bridge decks and overpasses can be snow covered or icy.
Motorists are advised that the winter weather may impact early morning commutes and are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. For those who need to travel during winter storms, the department reminds motorists to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com.
Any travel restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PAOpens In A New Window traveler information website at www.511PA.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on the website.
Although PennDOT crews will be treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check 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 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/winter.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District3.
