State of emergency declared for snowstorm
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
It’s time to bust out the shovels, rock salt, calcium chloride and ice scrapers because an intense winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, high winds, sleet and freezing rain across the state this weekend.
In preparation for the storm, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a statewide emergency declaration Friday afternoon to allow for increased assistance with storm-related needs. The commonwealth also will impose speed restrictions and a ban on all commercial traffic, including buses, on most interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
“We want to be aggressive in managing this storm, during which snowfall rates could exceed one to two inches per hour,” Wolf said. “Our top concern is the safety of residents. If you do not have to travel during the storm, please avoid it. Please heed warnings from emergency responders and personnel, and remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly.”
On Friday night, NWS Pittsburgh issued a winter warning for much of Southwestern Pennsylvania that will last from 10 a.m. today through10 a.m. Sunday. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 8 inches are expected, with lowest amounts south of Interstate 70. Ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are possible, the NWS message states.
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