Travel Conditions Expected to Deteriorate in Northeast Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are advising motorists that travel in the northeastern part of the state will become increasingly difficult this evening as high winds and snow continue.

The National Weather Service is forecasting wind gusts of up to 60 mph and snowfall rates that will approach one to two inches per hour through the middle part of tonight.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel in this region. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should be prepared for possibly delays and backlogs. Currently, forecasters are targeting Schuylkill, Carbon, Monroe, Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties as areas where the heaviest snow is expected.

Various state agencies, including PennDOT, state police and the National Guard, are working side-by-side to help motorists and clear roadways. Those efforts are expected to continue throughout the evening and overnight.

   PennDOT offers these tips to motorists if they decide to travel:    -- Do not drink and drive;   -- Always wear a seatbelt;   -- Keep the gas tank full;   -- Carry a cell phone;   -- During inclement weather, turn on headlights;   -- Use extra caution on bridges and ramps where ice can often form without      warning;   -- Beware of surfaces that look wet but are actually frozen, often      referred to as "black ice";   -- Do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a "plow line" (several      trucks plowing side-by-side);   -- Remain at least six car lengths behind an operating snow plow;   -- If stranded, do not leave your vehicle.  Instead, keep the down-wind      window cracked, run the engine every half hour and wait for help to      arrive; and   -- Pack an emergency kit that contains a heavy blanket, gloves, salt or      sand, flashlight, water and non-perishable food.  Also, prepare for      specific family needs such as baby food or extra formula, pet supplies,      extra medication, games or any other necessary items.   

Individuals needing assistance should call their local city or county emergency management office, found in the "Blue Pages" of the phone book or, if they have an emergency, call 911 or their local police or fire departments. Interstate road conditions are updated on PennDOT’s 24-hour road hotline at 1-888-783-6783 and the Turnpike Commission at 1-800-331-3414.

For additional severe weather safety information, visit the PEMA Web site, http://www.pema.state.pa.us/.

   CONTACT:  Maria A. Finn or Steve Chizmar             Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency             (717) 651-2001  

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

CONTACT: Maria A. Finn or Steve Chizmar, Pennsylvania EmergencyManagement Agency, +1-717-651-2001

Web site: http://www.pema.state.pa.us/