PITTSBURGH (100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) - As a winter storm is expected to slam the Pittsburgh area, as well as the remainder of the state, PennDOT is advising people limit their travel and watch for changing conditions.
In anticipation of winter weather throughout a lot of the state of Pennsylvania, PennDOT is implementing travel restrictions on trucks and other vehicles on certain roadways.
Effective noon Sunday, Jan. 31 retractions are anticipated of the following roadways, aligning with tier 1 of the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan:
- Interstate 70 in both directions from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) to the Maryland state line;
- The entire length of Interstate 78 in both directions;Interstate 80 from Interstate 81 to the New Jersey state line;
- The entire length of Interstate 81 in both directions;
- The entire length of Interstate 83 in both directions;
- The entire length of Interstate 84 in both directions;
- The entire length of Interstate 380 in both directions.
Additional speed and vehicle restrictions could be added depending on conditions.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid travel if possible, but if they must go out, to use caution and be aware of the changing conditions.
PennDOT is also reminding drivers of extra safety recommendations during winter weather:
- 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.
According to an AccuWeather report, the Pittsburgh area is expected to get 3-6 inches of snow, as well as high winds and a temperature drop to the mid 20's.
Real-feels could reach single digits.
Weather Updates
Forecast - click here
Closings & Delays - click here
Traffic Conditions - click here
