PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — PennDOT put area interstates on a high-sodium diet ahead of Tuesday’s winter storm. The Philadelphia region is in the midst of a winter weather advisory until 7 a.m. Wednesday, according to AccuWeather. The forecast calls for 3 to 6 inches of snow overnight, and drivers are advised to plan for slippery road conditions.
The School District of Philadelphia will open with a two-hour delay Wednesday morning. A full list of school announcements is available at kywnewsradio.com/schools.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, commercial vehicle restrictions went into effect along several interstates in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including the Schuylkill Expressway, I-95, the Blue Route and the Vine Expressway.
Crews started salting the roads long before the first flakes fell, says PennDOT Community Relations Coordinator Robyn Briggs.
“Since rain is not coming in for this one, it won’t wash the brine away, so the brine is a good defense for when the snow hits the ground,” Briggs said.
“We’re trying to get those interstate roads cleared faster for motorists and emergency personnel, and then we will get to the secondary.”
Briggs said drivers should leave room for plows so crews can safely do their job.
“We do know cars will be on the roadway, so we ask you for safety reasons for yourself and for our plow truck operators, do not pass the plows,” Briggs said.
In addition to plowing, crews are clearing roadside junk so motorists aren’t faced with any dangerous obstacles.
Briggs said each county in the five-county area has designated plow crews, and contractors can be called in to help or provide relief as the storm stretches into Wednesday morning.
Wednesday night, rain could create some icy road conditions.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, 151 crashes on snowy, slushy or icy roads led to three deaths and 55 injuries, according to officials. In those cases, speeding and aggressive driving also played a role. Officials urge people to stay home if they don't need to be on the road.
Emergency Travel Kit
Don't forget to pack your car with some roadside essentials in case of an emergency. Here are some things to include:
❄ Rock salt
❄ Road traction material, e.g., bag of sand or cat litter
❄ Collapsible snow shovel to dig yourself out
❄ Snow brush and ice scraper
❄ Deicer for car locks
❄ Windshield washer fluid
❄ Blankets, sweatshirts, gloves
❄ Flashlights — with extra batteries
❄ Nonperishable snacks
❄ Drinking water