Snow Prompts Road Restrictions and School Delays

Road crews have been busy keeping ahead of the latest winter weather in the Twin Tiers with most emergency services agencies reporting no serious crashes through the night March 3.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation had temporarily reduced speed limits on many interstates before 8 p.m. March 3. PennDOT urged motorists to avoid any unnecessary travel but advised, if people had to go out, speeds were reduced to 45 mph on Interstate 81, I80, I84 and Interstate 380 in Susquehanna, Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike and Wyoming Counties.

PennDOT also announced a full commercial vehicle ban, including buses starting at 3 p.m. March 3 on I81 from I83 to I80 as well as interstate 78's full length from 81 to the New Jersey line, 80 from 81 to the New Jersey line, 83 from Maryland to Interstate 81, and Interstate 283.  The ban was also placed on Route 22 and Route 23 as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.

Empty tractor trailers and tandum trucks were also being added to the ban in the evening.

The National Weather Service lifted the Winter Weather advisory for the region early.  A Hazardous Weather Outlook statement cautions the expectation for snow squalls on March 5 as an Arctic cold front moves through.  The front is forecast to produce brief bursts of heavy snow, resulting in very low visibilities and gusty winds.