PA Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Potent Winter Storm

Gov. Tom Wolf declared a state of emergency in Pennsylvania Friday as a ferocious winter storm races toward the state and threatens to wreak havoc over the weekend.

“We want to be aggressive in managing this storm, during which snowfall rates could exceed one to two inches per hour,” Wolf said in a news release. “Our top concern is the safety of residents. If you do not have to travel during the storm, please avoid it. Please heed warnings from emergency responders and personnel, and remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly.”

According to the governor’s press office, the state of emergency will allow for increased assistance with storm-related needs.

In addition to the emergency declaration, the state is imposing speed-limit restrictions and banning all commercial traffic — including buses — on most interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The speed limit will be 45 mph on those roadways as the storm progresses, and the commercial-vehicle ban will be in effect from noon Saturday until noon Sunday.

“Travel will be very challenging this weekend with the combination of heavy snow, high winds, sleet, freezing and plain rain and then a rapid drop in temperatures on Sunday,” PennDOT secretary Leslie Richards said in a statement. “If you must travel, please check 511PA for the latest conditions and be prepared in case extreme conditions trigger long delays on your route.”

Amtrak also has canceled many train trips in Pennsylvania this weekend. Numerous flight delays and cancellations also are expected at airports in the storm’s path.

Photo: Getty Images.

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