A major ice event is expected to impact the region on Friday afternoon. As of 2:15 PM, the NWS upgraded our winter storm watches to Ice storm warnings and winter weather advisories across our coverage area for this impending system. These will go into effect by 10 AM and Noon Friday until they expire at 7 AM Saturday. Winter weather advisories will include the counties of Cameron, Centre, Blair, Bedford, and Huntingdon from Noon Friday to 7 AM Saturday. Ice storm warnings will include Elk, Jefferson, Clearfield, Cambria, and Somerset counties from 10 AM Friday to 7 AM Saturday.
As of now, most of our region can expect to receive anywhere between a tenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch of ice, with some localized areas potentially seeing three tenths to half an inch of ice in some of the more extreme cases.
Per the NWS, travel is strongly discouraged if not necessary, as conditions will be slick on the roads leading to very rough travel conditions Friday afternoon into the evening. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight and blanket/jacket as well as food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Also prepare for possible power outages.
Ahead of Friday’s weather event, PennDOT has also issued a list of preliminary travel restrictions, on major roadways, which includes speed reductions to 45 mph.
Tier 3 restrictions beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, December 26th
- Interstate 81, south of I-83.
- ALL Pennsylvania interstates west of I-81 including: PA Turnpike I-76, PA Turnpike I-70 and All western PA Turnpike extensions.
- ALL Western PA Turnpike extensions
Tier 3 restrictions beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, December 26th
- I-81, north of I-83.
- Route 33, entire length.
- U.S. 22 between I-78 to Route 33.
- ALL Pennsylvania interstates east of I-81 including: PA Turnpike I-76 and All eastern PA Turnpike extensions.
WHAT ARE TIER 3 RESTRICTIONS?
On roadways with Tier 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS:
- Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
- Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
- Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
- Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
- Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
- Use your defroster and wipers.
- Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
- During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
- Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
- Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
- Always buckle up and never drive impaired.
- Have an emergency kit handy
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Editor’s note: This story will be updated to reflect the exact timing of the storm as we continue to track its forecast.
