PennDot, Pa. Turnpike issue restrictions ahead of winter storm
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A winter storm expected to dump several inches of snow across the region is spurring restrictions by PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
Beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, speed and vehicle restrictions will be mandated along the PA Turnpike in both directions from Breezewood to the Ohio border, the entire length of I-79, I-376 and I-579, among others.
The restrictions will be lifted when conditions allow.
Limitations will also be in place along I-70 from the West Virginia border to the PA Turnpike and the entire length of I-279.
Vehicles not allowed on affected roads include tractors without trailers, tractors towing unloaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers; enclosed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle; passenger vehicles towing trailers; recreational vehicles/motorhomes; school buses, commercial buses and motor coaches not carrying chains, and motorcycles.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning beginning at 1 a.m. Monday and lasting until 1 p.m. Tuesday, with a forecast of 6 to 9 inches of snow in portions of southwestern Pennsylvania, east-central Ohio and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. It will include heavy mixed precipitation and up to a tenth of a inch of possible ice accumulation.
There will be two rounds of precipitation tomorrow. The first round will come in the early morning hours and we are expecting precipitation type to be mostly light snow north of Greene County. Areas near Morgantown will see a wintry mix. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/7yOKAZEpuh
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) February 14, 2021
Additional speed and vehicle restrictions could be added. Restrictions will be communicated by message boards and at 511pa.com.
(2/2) Round two will be more concerning with intense precipitation rates. Some areas could see freezing rain, snow, sleet. The 2nd round is expected to reach eastern Ohio by 4pm/Pittsburgh around 5-6pm. Stay weather aware out there! pic.twitter.com/p0pttzTrqF
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) February 14, 2021