PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Winter weather is making its way to Pennsylvania, and as a precaution, PennDOT will be placing restrictions on certain roadways on Saturday.

Drivers are being encouraged to avoid taking any unnecessary travel during the storm and if they must be out on the road, to be extremely careful. Throughout the storm, PennDOT will be implementing various speed and vehicle restrictions.

Winter weather is expected to make its way into Pennsylvania starting early Saturday morning in the northwest and move eastward across the state. Snow will be initially light, but snowfall rates could reach ½ inch to 1 inch per hour in some areas. Snow is expected to stop Sunday morning, but winds could pick up after snow has ended, and a band of lake-effect snow is expected to follow in western portions of the state.

The following Tier 1 roadway restrictions will go into effect at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13:

• PA Turnpike Interstate 76 from Cranberry (Exit 28) to Breezewood (Exit 161).
• PA Turnpike Mon-Fayette Expressway (Route 43), entire length.
• PA Turnpike Southern Beltway (I-576), entire length.
• PA Turnpike Route 66, entire length.
• PA Turnpike Beaver Valley Expressway (Route 60), entire length.
• I-70 from the West Virginia border to PA Turnpike I-76.
• I-79 from PA Turnpike I-76 to the West Virginia border.
• I-279, full length.
• I-376 from PA Turnpike I-376 to PA Turnpike I-76.
• I-579, full length.

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles will not be permitted on the affected roadways:

Tractors without trailers.

Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.

Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.

Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.

Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.

Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.

School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.

Speed limits will be restricted to 45mph on those roads for ALL vehicles and additional roads could be added.

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If you must travel during the storm, PennDOT advises that you do the following:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
• Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
• Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
• Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
• Use your defroster and wipers.
• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
• 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 drive impaired.
• Have an emergency kit handy.

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