As of 4 a.m. today, PennDOT has temporarily banned all empty and double tractor-trailers from using Interstate 81 and Interstate 83 in south central Pennsylvania until further notice. The storm is currently moving through south central Pennsylvania, with heavy snow accumulation forecasted over the next several hours. Snow is expected to accumulate more than an inch per hour, and wind gusts near 30 mph are expected to cause drifting and low visibility.
The purpose of the ban is to help ensure that the roadways remain open during the most challenging conditions of the storm. When conditions improve, PennDOT will remove the travel restrictions.
PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms. However, if people must travel, they can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 680 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available by calling 5-1-1, and regional Twitter alerts are available on the 511PA website.
PennDOT also reminds motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.