Travelers Adjust Plans as Icy Storm Looms on PA Turnpike

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Icy Conditions Pose Challenges for Post-Christmas Travel in Western Pennsylvania

As the holiday season comes to a close, travelers in western Pennsylvania are facing a new challenge: icy conditions that could significantly impact their post-Christmas travel plans. The region is bracing for a winter storm that is expected to bring freezing rain, ice, and treacherous road conditions on Friday.

Anna Pratt, an Ohio resident, decided to take a last-minute trip on Christmas night to visit her grandparents in New Jersey. She stopped at the Oakmont Plum Service Plaza along the Pennsylvania Turnpike on Thursday night, where she shared her concerns about the upcoming weather.

"We decided we were going to last-minute pack everything up and hit the road right now," Pratt said. "We don’t want to get hurt. We have family who needs us and dogs. So, we want to make it back to them safe."

Stephen Roitz of Irwin, who was pumping gas at the service plaza on Thursday night, echoed similar sentiments. He was on his way home from his daughter’s house in Ellwood City and expressed his caution about driving during the storm.

"I’m getting older and I’m almost 60, so I’m like there’s no use in taking chances out on the roads and stuff like that," Roitz said. "I’m always telling my kids, ‘Stay off the roads, stay off the roads.’"

PennDOT officials have also been urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Tina Gibbs, the PennDOT District 10 community relations coordinator, emphasized the dangers of ice on the roads.

"We are encouraging folks, if there's not a need to travel during this storm, to please don't. Ice is a very different animal on the roadways than what snow can be," Gibbs said.

Come Friday morning, most of western Pennsylvania will be under either an ice storm warning or a winter weather advisory. The storm is expected to bring freezing rain, ice, and treacherous travel conditions to Pennsylvania roadways.

To prepare for the storm, PennDOT crews spent Christmas pre-treating the roads. Meanwhile, residents are taking their own precautions at home. Khadeja Edwards, a New Kensington resident, said she and her partner plan to salt their driveway and stay indoors.

"We're just going to be salting and staying in, you know," Edwards said. "Don't take no chances that you don't need to take," added James Robinson, who also plans to play it safe on Friday.

Vehicle restrictions on the turnpike will take effect on Friday morning, further complicating travel plans for those heading out. As the region prepares for the storm, the message from officials and residents alike is clear: safety should come first.

Key Points to Consider

• Travel Advisories: PennDOT has issued warnings to drivers, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
• Preparation Efforts: PennDOT crews worked on Christmas to pre-treat roads, while residents are taking steps to ensure their safety at home.
• Public Sentiment: Many residents, like Anna Pratt and Stephen Roitz, are choosing to travel early or avoid the roads altogether to minimize risks.
• Weather Forecast: Freezing rain and ice are expected to create hazardous conditions, leading to vehicle restrictions and potential delays.

As the storm approaches, it is essential for all drivers to remain cautious and prioritize their safety. With the right precautions and awareness, the challenges posed by the icy conditions can be managed effectively.