(WHTM) — State officials are alerting drivers about travel restrictions ahead of the upcoming Pennsylvania winter storm.
Officials with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Pennsylvania State Police came together for a press conference Friday to brief residents more about the forecasted winter storm.
All Pennsylvania interstates, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and its extensions will have Tier 4 vehicle restrictions implemented beginning Sunday.
With Tier 4 restrictions in place, that means no commercial vehicles are permitted, along with all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles towing trailers.
Crews will be out working around the clock to treat and clear roads, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said.
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
“Our crews are hard at work preparing for this weekend’s storm, and we’ll be out in force throughout the event,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “With the accumulation we’re expecting to see across most of the state, it’s important to remember that the roads will not be completely clear of snow. Please, avoid traveling if you can. If you must venture out, please slow down and allow extra time.”
Drivers are required under Pennsylvania law to remove snow and ice from their vehicles, including roofs, hoods and trunks, within 24 hours after the storm. Pennsylvania State Police are expected to be actively monitoring road conditions and will continue to respond to incidents.
“Please exercise patience and caution while driving in winter weather,” Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens said. “Slow down, make sure your windows, roof and mirrors are completely clear, and stay alert to the actions of drivers. A few simple precautions can make all the difference in keeping you, your passengers and everyone around you safe.”
About a foot of snow is forecast for Pennsylvania, with some regions possibly seeing more and up to two inches per hour. Temperatures are also expected to be below freezing for the rest of the week at least, meaning the snow will be sticking around for a while.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has a list of supplies that includes bottled water, nonperishable food, batteries and more that residents should gather up if they are expected to be snowed in the next few days.
Catholics should not have to stress about making it to Mass on Sunday to fulfill their obligation, as Bishop Timothy Senior of the Diocese of Harrisburg said that if a snow emergency is declared and/or the road conditions are not safe then “the obligation to attend Mass is clearly not in force.”
This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.