PA Declares 'Disaster Emergency' Ahead Of Tuesday Storm

Gov. Tom Wolf has signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency in anticipation of a significant winter snowstorm expected to start late Monday and go into Tuesday. PennDOT and the PA Turnpike will be restricting speeds on interstates, according to the governor's office.

State officials will hold a briefing to announce the specifics at 3:30 p.m. today. The briefing will streamed live; you can watch it by clicking here.

The proclamation is not a "state of emergency," as it does not prohibit travel on the roads, authorities explained. However, motorists are "strongly encouraged" to delay all unnecessary travel.

RELATED: Speed Limit Reductions, Travel Restrictions In Place For Tuesday Storm, PennDOT Says

PennDOT said it plans to strategically deploy additional assets to areas expected to be hardest hit by the storm, including the Northeast, Poconos and Lehigh Valley.

“State agencies continue to take proactive steps to ensure Pennsylvania is ready for the incoming winter weather and Pennsylvanians should take their own precautions and prepare for adverse conditions, especially for travel,” Wolf said. “We are preparing for the most significant part of the storm to hit the Eastern half of the state from Monday night through Tuesday’s commute with significant winds to follow and cause additional concerns."

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service.

As much as 2 feet of snow could fall across Eastern Pennsylvania, the National Weather Service says. The storm, due to arrive late Monday, will also have strong winds. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour late Monday night and Tuesday morning are possible.

Click here for the full forecast.