Stay Safe on the Road: Winter Storm Travel Tips from PennDOT and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
As the Commonwealth braces for an upcoming winter storm, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are advising drivers to exercise caution and consider avoiding travel if possible. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Susquehanna Valley from Friday morning to Saturday morning, with snow, sleet, and potential freezing rain in the forecast.
Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Mark Compton emphasized the importance of safe driving practices during inclement weather, urging drivers to slow down, practice caution, and seek assistance by calling *11 if needed while on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The turnpike is anticipating a high volume of traffic, with over 7.4 million vehicles expected on the road during the holiday period, including approximately 550,000 vehicles on Friday.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll advised travelers to stay informed about weather conditions and be prepared to adjust their travel plans accordingly, especially on Friday, a busy holiday travel day. Roadways will be pre-treated to mitigate ice formation, but drivers should remain vigilant as salt may not eliminate all risks, and icy patches could still be present, particularly on bridges and highway ramps.
PennDOT stressed the importance of prioritizing safety during winter storms and recommended avoiding or postponing travel if possible. However, if travel is necessary, they provided the following tips for drivers to navigate safely: