“We are in the midst of one of the most impactful statewide storms we’ve seen in a long time,” said Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Melissa Batula. “This is truly an all hands on deck situation and our crew are working hard to keep the roads safe and passable.”
IMPRESSIVE TOTALS
1 to 2 feet of snow has fallen in our far northwest suburbs. Snowfall of 2 “to 3” per hour this afternoon helped produce it. A few more inches are expected before the storm ends tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/9arDr84iHv– Adam Joseph (@ 6abcadamjoseph) February 2, 2021
Get the latest AccuWeather weather forecast at 6abc.com/Weather
The Lehigh Valley has been nothing but white-out all evening.
Plow trucks were everywhere. They are doing their best to clear the main roads around Allentown and Bethlehem. But with snow falling down like it’s Monday, it’s a tough job.
Pat Deginto, 71, from Allentown, was shoveling her sidewalk for the third time and it was only 5pm
“I think I will move to Florida next year,” she said.
Dennis Hafemann also tried to stay on top of the accumulation.
‘I am always ready. I’ve already scooped once and I will scoop again, ”Hafemann said.
Authorities said a 67-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s who reportedly ran away from her home was found on a street in Allentown Monday morning due to hypothermia. About 60 miles to the north in Plains Township, a shooting after an argument over snow removal killed a married couple, and the suspect was later found dead at his nearby home from a wound believed to have been self-inflicted, officials in Lucerne said. County.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the people involved had a protracted conflict, but “this morning the dispute was aggravated by a disagreement over snow clearing,” said prosecutor Stefanie Salavantis.
In Montgomery County, the crews controlled a mixture of snow and sleet, causing the roads to become icy.
On Monday, team cars switched to spreading salt and brine at certain times to prevent the roads from freezing.
ALSO SEE: In Montgomery County in an emergency snow situation, drivers urged to stay home
In Springfield, Delaware County, families flock to a hill outside the local police force all day long. From little ones to parents calling themselves grown-ups, they just couldn’t get enough.
The storm has prompted officials to impose speed limits on the Commonwealth’s many highways.
Motorists are urged to avoid traveling during the storm if possible. But if travel is necessary, use caution, slow down and account for changing weather conditions.
“During the storm, PEMA will work with our state and county partners to ensure we have a clear understanding of the storm and how it affects different parts of the state,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “We are particularly concerned about the shipping and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, so we appreciate the citizens who are taking this storm seriously and staying off the road because fewer vehicles means fewer incidents that could delay these operations.”
PennDOT implemented Tier 1 of the Commonwealth’s weather vehicle restriction plan on all highways in Philadelphia. This includes the following roads: I-76, I-95, I-295, I-476 and I-676.
According to the Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not allowed on affected roads:
-Tractors without trailers
-Tractors towing unladen or lightly loaded closed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers
-Tractors towing unladen or lightly laden tandem trailers
Enclosed trucks that meet the definition of a CMV
Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pick-ups, etc.) with trailers
-Recreative vehicles / RVs
-School buses, commercial buses and coaches without chains or alternative traction devices (ATDs)
-Motorcycles
A 45 mph speed limit remains in effect on the above highways and on the following major roads:
– US Routes 1, 30, 202, 422
– State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309
The Tier 1 and speed limits will remain in effect until circumstances warrant their removal.
Why the I-95 Corridor Can Be the Dividing Line Between Snow and Rain
Copyright © 2021 WPVI-TV. All rights reserved.