“We are in the midst of one of the most shocking storms in the entire state we have had in a long time,” said Melissa Batula, Deputy Secretary of Road Administration. “This is really a practical situation on deck and our crews are working hard to keep the roads safe and passable.”
AWESOME TOTALS
It has fallen 1 to 2 feet of snow in our northwest suburbs. Snowfall rates of 2 “to 3” per hour this afternoon helped produce them. It is expected a few inches more before the storm ends tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/9arDr84iHv– Adam Joseph (@ 6abcadamjoseph) February 2, 2021
Get the latest AccuWeather forecast at 6abc.com/Weather
The whole evening in the Lehigh Valley has been nothing but dull conditions.
Peasant trucks were everywhere. They are doing the best job possible to clean up the main roads surrounding Allentown and Bethlehem. But with the snow falling as it has been on Monday, it is a difficult task.
Pat Deginto, 71, of Allentown, was shoveling his sidewalk for the third time and it was only 5 p.m.
“I’m thinking I’ll move to Florida next year,” he said.
Dennis Hafemann also tried to stay on top of the build-up.
“I’m always ready for it. I’ve tasted it once and I’ll taste it again,” Hafemann said.
Authorities said a 67-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease who reportedly moved away from her home was found dead of hypothermia on an Allentown street Monday morning. About 60 miles north in Plains Township, a shooting after a snow removal dispute killed a married couple and the suspect was later found dead at his home near an injury that she is believed to have caused herself, officials in Lucerne County said.
A preliminary investigation indicates the people involved had a long-running conflict, but “this morning the dispute has been exacerbated by a disagreement over snow removal,” said District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis.
In Montgomery County, crews managed a mixture of snow and sleet, freezing the roads.
On Monday, at some points, the trucks of the plow began to scatter salt and brine to prevent the roads from freezing.
SEE ALSO: In Montgomery County in case of snow emergency, drivers urged to stay home
In Springfield, Delaware County, families have been approaching a hill outside the local police department all day. From the little ones to the parents who are called big kids, they couldn’t get enough of it.
The storm has prompted officials to impose speed restrictions on many community roads.
Drivers are advised to avoid traveling during the storm if possible. But if you need to travel, be careful, slow down, and keep in mind the changing weather conditions.
“Throughout the storm, PEMA is working with our state and county partners to make sure we have a clear understanding of the storm and how it affects different parts of the state,” said Randy Padfield, director of PEMA. . “We are especially concerned about the shipment and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, so we thank the citizens who take this storm seriously and stay off the roads because fewer vehicles means fewer incidents that could delay these operations.”
PennDOT implemented Tier 1 vehicle restriction plan for commonwealth weather events in all Philadelphia stakeholders. This includes the following roads: I-76, I-95, I-295, I-476 and I-676.
Under Level 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not allowed on the affected roads:
-Tractors without trailers
-Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded closed trailers, open trailers or closed trailers
-Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers
-Closed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of CMV
– Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.) towing trailers
-Leisure vehicles / motorhomes
-School buses, commercial buses and coaches that do not carry chains or alternative traction devices (ATD)
-Motorcycles
A 45 mph speed restriction is still in force on the interstates mentioned above, as well as on the following main roads:
– American Routes 1, 30, 202, 422
– State routes 63, 100 Spur and 309
Level 1 and speed restrictions will be maintained until conditions warrant.
Why can the I-95 corridor be the dividing line between snow and rain?
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