Dunmore, PA – According to PennDOT, snow squalls are expected today and could create whiteout conditions which could virtually eliminate a driver's visibility. They can also create treacherous travel conditions for drivers where roadways quickly become snow-covered and slick.
Motorists always should be alert during the winter season for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning.
If motorists do encounter snow squalls while traveling, PennDOT offers this advice:
Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
Turn your headlights on.
Stay in your lane.
Increase your following distance.
Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible, and be patient.
Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.
Use defroster and wipers.
Turn four-way flashers on.
Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.
Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
Always buckle up and never drink and drive.
While snow is falling, PennDOT will have crews treating roadways around the clock, but the department aims to keep the roads passable rather than completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways through the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
Motorists 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 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.