Get Ready for a Slippery Ride: If you’re planning to drive across Pennsylvania over the next few days, you may want to reconsider. A powerful winter storm is moving through the state, bringing freezing rain and icy conditions that will make highways dangerously slick from now through Saturday. The National Weather Service is sounding the alarm with Winter Weather Advisories covering large portions of the state.
What’s Coming and When
The storm kicked off Wednesday morning with snow in some areas, but as temperatures hover around freezing, that snow will shift into a nasty mix of sleet and freezing rain. By Thursday, much of the state—including major highways, bridges, and overpasses—could see a layer of ice that makes stopping and steering difficult. And if that wasn’t bad enough, some areas may face power outages due to ice-coated trees and power lines.
PennDOT’s Plan and Road Restrictions
Crews are already out pre-treating roads, but even with salt and brine, ice can still form and cause dangerous conditions. To help reduce risks, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced vehicle restrictions on key highways, starting Wednesday night and continuing into Thursday. Commercial vehicles, in particular, will face limitations.
If you need to be on the road, officials recommend checking the latest updates on PennDOT’s 511PA website or app for details on conditions and restrictions. But the safest option? Stay put and delay non-essential travel.
Weather Forecast Snapshot:
- Today: Freezing rain and sleet expected, with icy accumulation on roadways.
- Friday into Saturday: Continued wintry mix, with areas of dangerous ice lingering.
Don’t take this warning lightly. Whether it’s a short trip to the store or a long highway drive, freezing rain can turn ordinary roads into skating rinks. If you must drive, go slow, keep extra space between cars, and be prepared for sudden slick spots. Otherwise, staying off the road could be the safest call.
