PennDOT Urges Caution as Snow Squalls, Blowing Snow Move Across Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — With wintry weather expected across Pennsylvania today and into the weekend, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is urging motorists to remain alert and use extra caution when traveling, particularly during snow squalls and periods of blowing or drifting snow.

According to the National Weather Service, snow squalls are short-lived but intense bursts of heavy snow that can quickly reduce visibility to near zero. These squalls can drop up to two inches of snow in 30 minutes, produce wind gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour, and create dangerous whiteout conditions with visibility of less than a quarter mile.

Because snow squalls can develop suddenly and without much warning, they pose a serious risk to motorists and are often linked to multi-vehicle crashes.

While avoiding unnecessary travel during winter weather is the safest option, PennDOT encourages drivers who must travel to take the following precautions if they encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed appropriate for conditions
• Turn on headlights; if visibility drops significantly, activate hazard lights
• Stay in your lane and increase following distance
• Remain alert and look as far ahead as possible
• Use defrosters and windshield wipers
• Keep windows, mirrors, and lights clear of snow and ice
• If visibility becomes dangerously low, pull completely off the roadway before stopping
• Never stop in the travel lane, which could lead to chain-reaction crashes
• Avoid passing slow-moving vehicles or speeding up to escape a tailgater

PennDOT also reminds motorists to always wear seat belts, avoid impaired driving, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.

Preliminary data from last winter shows there were 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy, or ice-covered roads across Pennsylvania. Eleven of the fatalities involved occupants not wearing seat belts, while 17 deaths occurred in crashes where drivers were traveling too fast for conditions or left their lane of travel.

Drivers are also encouraged to keep an emergency kit in their vehicle that includes essentials such as blankets, extra clothing, food, water, a flashlight, and basic first-aid supplies.

Motorists can monitor real-time road conditions on more than 40,000 miles of Pennsylvania roadways by visiting www.511PA.com or using the free 511PA smartphone app, which provides weather updates, traffic speeds, winter condition maps, and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras.

For more information on winter driving safety and PennDOT’s winter operations, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter or www.pa.gov/DOTsafety.

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