PENNDOT PREPARING FOR WINTER STORM

PennDOT is preparing for a strong winter storm that is expected to hit the area tomorrow.

District 10 of PennDOT, which covers Indiana, Jefferson, Armstrong, Butler and Clarion counties, is following the major winter storm closely to determine the best way to treat roads to make sure that traffic continues to flow over the weekend. In a non-freezing rainstorm, road crews may put down a layer of salt brine to pre-treat the roads to get a jumpstart on clearing roads of ice and snow. Also, PennDOT is determining whether to use salt or other anti-skid materials on roadways.

Christina Gibbs with PennDOT says that it is difficult to prepare when the weather forecast is not exactly clear.

PennDOT advises people against travelling during heavy winter storms, but if it is necessary, motorists are reminded to:

Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle.
Turn on your headlights.
Use your defroster and wipers to keep windows clear of snow and ice.
Drive at a speed that suits weather and roadway conditions.
Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
Do not drive distracted.
Stay alert and keep looking as far ahead as possible.
Be patient.
During whiteouts if you must stop, do so only when you can
safely pull off the roadway.
Always buckle up.

They also advise drivers to be wary of black ice, and to use extra caution when approaching bridges and highway ramps as those roads will freeze quicker than the road.

Accuweather Meteorologist Courtney Travis says we may not get the brunt of the storm, but significant snowfall is expected.