Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has declared a disaster emergency ahead of a winter storm expected to impact the state. Video above: Hour-by-hour projections of winter storm Shapiro announced Sunday at a press conference at PEMA headquarters that he has signed a proclamation of disaster emergency, effective immediately. The governor said “significant snowfall” is expected in parts of the commonwealth and noted that state crews are prepared. State officials urged drivers to stay off the roads when possible to help ensure safety. The disaster emergency declaration streamlines the commonwealth’s operational structure, freeing up funding, removing spending obstacles and generally allowing for a quicker response to an emergency. The declaration does NOT mean that people are not allowed to travel. However, people should still exercise caution during severe weather. Drivers should observe any speed limit restrictions, vehicle restrictions or road closures enacted by authorities. The declaration also does NOT mean businesses have to close. Disaster emergency powers The governor’s disaster emergency powers come from Article IV, Section 20 of the Pennsylvania Constitution. Declaring a general disaster emergency authorizes and directs the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director to assume command and control of all statewide emergency operations. All Commonwealth departments and agencies, under the direction of the PEMA Director are directed to use all available powers, resources and personnel as deemed necessary to deal with the relevant emergency. In Pennsylvania, disaster emergencies cannot be in effect for more than 21 days unless it’s extended by the General Assembly. If a disaster emergency expires, the governor is not allowed to issue a new declaration based on the same, or substantially same, facts and circumstances unless the General Assembly approves it.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has declared a disaster emergency ahead of a winter storm expected to impact the state.
Video above: Hour-by-hour projections of winter storm
Shapiro announced Sunday at a press conference at PEMA headquarters that he has signed a proclamation of disaster emergency, effective immediately.
The governor said “significant snowfall” is expected in parts of the commonwealth and noted that state crews are prepared.
State officials urged drivers to stay off the roads when possible to help ensure safety.
The disaster emergency declaration streamlines the commonwealth’s operational structure, freeing up funding, removing spending obstacles and generally allowing for a quicker response to an emergency.
The declaration does NOT mean that people are not allowed to travel. However, people should still exercise caution during severe weather. Drivers should observe any speed limit restrictions, vehicle restrictions or road closures enacted by authorities.
The declaration also does NOT mean businesses have to close.
Disaster emergency powers
The governor’s disaster emergency powers come from Article IV, Section 20 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
Declaring a general disaster emergency authorizes and directs the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director to assume command and control of all statewide emergency operations. All Commonwealth departments and agencies, under the direction of the PEMA Director are directed to use all available powers, resources and personnel as deemed necessary to deal with the relevant emergency.
In Pennsylvania, disaster emergencies cannot be in effect for more than 21 days unless it’s extended by the General Assembly. If a disaster emergency expires, the governor is not allowed to issue a new declaration based on the same, or substantially same, facts and circumstances unless the General Assembly approves it.