Forecasters are saying that some parts of Indiana County will see some significant snowfall this weekend, while others will also have to contend with heavier precipitation and ice.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for all of Indiana County and for northwest and western Pennsylvania that will run until 10:00 tonight. During that time, mixed precipitation is expected with snowfall totaling 3-5 inches by the time the storm passes through. However, for the higher elevations in the southeast corner of the county, including Brush Valley, Armagh and Clyde, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 10:00 tonight. Not only is the weather service expecting the snowfall predicted for Indiana County, but meteorologists expect ice accumulations of a tenth of an inch.
Both PennDOT and the National Weather Service advise against travelling during any heavy snow storm, but if it is necessary, keep an emergency kit in the vehicle made for winter travel. PennDOT also advises people to keep their distance, drive at speeds that suit the weather and road conditions, be wary of black ice and watch for ice on highway ramps and bridges.
PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission has also put some restrictions in place that will go into effect at different times for many of Pennsylvania’s major highways. Those restrictions are:
10:00 AM on Saturday, January 6:
Tier 1:
· Interstate 99, entire length.
· I-81 from Maryland to I-78.
· I-83 entire length.
At 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 6:
Tier 1:
· PA Turnpike (I-76) from New Stanton (Exit 75) to Carlisle (Exit 226).
At 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 6:
Tier 1:
· Pa Turnpike Northeastern Extension (I-476) Lehigh Valley (Exit 56) to Clarks Summit (Exit 130).
· I-78 entire length.
· I-81 from I-78 to New York.
· I-80 from Exit 173 (Lamar) to New Jersey.
· I-84 entire length.
· I-180 entire length.
· I-380 entire length.
· Route 33 entire length.
· U.S. 22 from I-78 to New Jersey.
At 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 6:
Tier 3
· I-81 from I-80 to New York.
· I-84 entire length.
· I-380 entire length.
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
· Tractors without trailers.
· Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
· Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
· Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.
· Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.
· Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.
· School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.
· Motorcycles.
Under Tier 3 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
· All commercial vehicles except loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices.
· School buses
· Commercial buses
· Motor coaches
· Motorcycles
· RVs/motorhomes
· Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.)
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