Overview
A snapshot of what we know about the storm so far. Last updated: 4:35 p.m. Sunday, February 22.
The latest:
- Storm to impact most of Pennsylvania, with the most significant impact on eastern PA.
- Strong wind gusts and drifting snow will cause dangerous travel conditions, and could bring down trees and power lines.
- Tier 1 vehicle restrictions went into effect for some eastern roadways at 3 p.m. Sunday. PennDOT announced expanded restrictions beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday.
- Governor Josh Shapiro signed a disaster proclamation and hosted a briefing at PEMA headquarters at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Watch it.
Potential Hazards:
-
1
Pay attention to changing forecasts.
Storm systems can shift quickly, changing timing and amount of snow forecast in your area. Pay attention to changing forecasts and have at least two ways to get alerts.
-
2
Take travel precautions.
Plan to avoid travel if you can. If you must travel, check your route at 511pa.com, clear your vehicle of all ice and snow, turn on headlights, give other cars plenty of space, and take it slow. Don't leave without stocking your car with supplies. If you encounter a snow squall, pull off the road and wait it out.
-
3
Get supplies in order.
Charge devices. Make sure you have enough food and water to last a few days. Include pets, kids, and older loved ones in your planning. More about emergency supplies.
Get Help
Connect with resources:
For non-emergent needs, call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 to reach the United Way of Pennsylvania.
If you experience any difficulty connecting, please call 855-567-5341.
In Case of Emergency
Only call 911 if you encounter an emergency. You can text 911 if you are unable to call.
Examples of emergency: Vehicle crashes, serious medical situations, crimes in progress, fire, life-threatening situations.
Power Outages
Do not call 911 to report power outages. Instead, contact your utility company.
If the power goes out:
- Only use flashlights for emergency lighting. Candles can cause fires.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours.
- An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours.
- A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
- Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power could be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location that has heat to keep warm.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power surge that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
- If you use your car to recharge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Social Media
Get the latest weather updates and safety info on social media.
Weather Info
One of the best sources for weather information is your local National Weather Service office:
Binghamton National Weather Service
Covers Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
Cleveland National Weather Service
Covers Crawford and Erie counties.
Philadelphia/Mount Holly National Weather Service
Covers Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties.
Pittsburgh National Weather Service
Covers Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
State College National Weather Service
Covers Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, McKean, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, York and Warren counties.
Plow Tracker
Use 511pa.com to view plow trucks in real time. Choose a route that has been freshly plowed, and avoid roadway issues if you must travel.
Vehicle Restrictions
Tier 1 vehicle restrictions began at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 22.
The following types of vehicles are not permitted to travel on certain routes in the eastern portions of the state:
- Tractors:
- Without trailers
- Towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers, or tank trailers
- Towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers
- Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo-delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a commercial vehicle
- Passenger vehicles towing trailers
- Recreational vehicles and motorhomes
- School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches without available chains or Alternate Traction Devices
- Motorcycles
Tier 4 Restrictions
Beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 22, certain roadways will operate under Tier 4 vehicle restrictions.
During Tier 4 restrictions, no commercial vehicles are allowed on the affected roadways.