PennDOT this morning announced speed restrictions on highways in the region, including Interstate 78 in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties, due to the snowstorm.
Snowfall began about 5:30 a.m. in the Reading area. The National Weather Service has announced a winter weather advisory until 10 p.m., with slippery conditions from snowfall likely to affect the morning and evening commutes.
Schools in the region have canceled classes for the day or implemented virtual instruction.
Snowfall is expected to taper off in the late afternoon and evening. A total accumulation of 2 to 4 inches of snowfall is expected.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.
Although PennDOT crews have been treating roads, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roads throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 miles of road, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting 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.
PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include nonperishable food, water, blanket, a small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should account for special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/winter.
Source: Berkshire mont