PA SNOW: Pennsylvania Governor Wolf issues disaster emergency due to winter storm

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WPVI) – Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf launched a disaster emergency as a major winter storm continues to dump snow in the area on Monday evening. More than 20 inches of snow has fallen in parts of the Commonwealth since the storm began on Sunday evening.

“We are in the midst of one of the most significant storms we have had statewide in a long time,” said Assistant Secretary of the Highway Administration Melissa Batula. “It really is a convenient situation on the bridge, and our crews are working hard to keep the roads safe and passable.”

Get the latest AccuWeather forecast at 6abc.com/Weather

There were only whiteout conditions all evening in the Lehigh Valley.

Plow trucks were everywhere. They are doing their best to clear the main roads around Allentown and Bethlehem. But with the snow falling like it’s Monday, it’s a tough task.

Pat Deginto, 71, from Allentown, was shoveling his sidewalk for the third time and it was only 5pm.

“I think next year I’ll move to Florida,” she said.

Dennis Hafemann was also trying to stay on top of the accumulation.

“I’m always ready for it. I’ve shoveled once and I’m going to shovel again,” Hafemann said.

Authorities said a 67-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease who allegedly wandered far from home was found dead of hypothermia on a street in Allentown on Monday morning. About 60 miles north, in Plains Township, a shooting after a snow-clearing dispute killed a married couple, and the suspect was later found dead at his nearby home from a reportedly self-inflicted injury. Luzerne County officials said.

A preliminary investigation indicates that those involved have had a long-standing conflict, but “this morning the dispute was exacerbated by a disagreement over the removal of the snow,” district attorney Stefanie Salavantis said.

In Montgomery County, crews managed a mixture of snow and sleet, making the roads icy.

In some locations Monday, snow removal trucks switched to salt and brine spraying to prevent icing on the roads.

SEE ALSO: Montgomery County in snow emergency, drivers urged to stay home

In Springfield, Delaware County, families flock to a hill outside the local police department all day. From little ones to parents who call themselves big kids, they couldn’t get enough.

The storm prompted authorities to impose speed restrictions on the Commonwealth’s many highways.

Motorists are urged to avoid travel if possible during the storm. But if travel is necessary, be careful, reduce speed, and be aware of changing weather conditions.

“Throughout the storm, PEMA is working with our state and county partners to ensure that we have a clear understanding of the storm and how it is affecting different parts of the state,” said the PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “We are particularly concerned with the shipping and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, so we appreciate the citizens who take this storm seriously and stay off the roads because fewer vehicles means fewer incidents that could delay these operations.

PennDOT has implemented the Level 1 Commonwealth 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.

Under Level 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on the affected roads:

-Tractors without trailers
-Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers
-Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers
-Closed freight delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV
-Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.) towing trailers
-Recreational vehicles / motorhomes

-School buses, commercial buses and coaches without chains or alternative traction devices (ATD)
-Motorcycles

A speed restriction of 45 mph remains in effect on the highways mentioned above as well as the following major roads:

– American routes 1, 30, 202, 422
– National roads 63, 100 Spur and 309

Level 1 and speed restrictions will remain in place until conditions warrant their removal.

Why the I-95 corridor can be the dividing line between snow and rain