HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS

With heavy snow expected on Sunday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency on Friday afternoon in preparation of expected dangerous winter weather.

The proclamation, according to a release sent out Friday afternoon, will make resources available to prepare for and support efforts for the storm impacting much of the Commonwealth.

“Our teams at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have been working to prepare to support Pennsylvanians as this winter storm impacts our Commonwealth,” said Shapiro. “I signed a disaster declaration for the entire Commonwealth to ensure our agencies have all necessary resources ready to go. Stay off the roads if you can, be safe and follow instructions from PEMA and your local authorities.”

The declaration, the release said, allows the state to draw down funding quickly and provide state agencies with resources needed to assist counties and municipalities in winter storm response efforts.

The release added the 2025-26 budget doubled the amount of state funding available to enable state agencies to respond to disasters in the Commonwealth. The total monies allocated is $40 million.

“This declaration gives PEMA the flexibility to pre-position resources, streamline coordination, and respond quickly if conditions deteriorate this weekend,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “At the same time, we urge Pennsylvanians to do their part by preparing ahead of the storm, staying informed, and making decisions that protect themselves and others.”

According to PEMA, its Commonwealth Coordination Response Center has been activated and will be staffed for the duration of the storm. The center will ensure quick and coordinated response by state agencies, the release said.

Motorists are advised not to travel during this storm. While the disaster declaration does not explicitly prohibit travel, motorists should be aware of local-level road restrictions that may be in place.

PennDOT has already issued multiple travel restrictions ahead of the storm, with Clinton and Centre counties seeing an effect on the ban.

“Heavy snow is expected across the Commonwealth starting Saturday night, with snowfall rates of 1″ to 2″ per hour by the afternoon on Sunday. Temperatures will be very cold and are expected to remain below freezing across the state throughout next week,” a release from PennDOT said Friday afternoon.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25 in accordance with Tier 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan. On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted.

— ALL Pennsylvania interstates including: PA Turnpike I-76; PA Turnpike I-70; All PA Turnpike extensions.

— U.S. 15 from I-180 to the New York border.

— U.S. 22 from Route 66 to I-99.

— U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border.

— U.S. 219 from U.S. 30 to U.S. 22.

— U.S. 220 from I-80 to I-180.

— U.S. 322 from Interstate 99 to I-81.

— Route 28 from I-279 to U.S. 422.

— The entire length of Route 33.

Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

PennDOT is also issuing the following restrictions beginning at 1 a.m. on Jan. 25:

— Route 350 between Bald Eagle and Philipsburg in Centre County will be closed to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) traffic.

— The commercial vehicle chain-up site located along Route 153 northbound before Boone Mountain in Clearfield County will be activated.

— The CMV detour around Route 6 between Port Allegany and Smethport in McKean County will be implemented. The detour uses Route 155, Route 446, and Route 46 and adds approximately five minutes of travel time.

— The commercial vehicle chain-up site located along Route 322 westbound before the Milroy exit and Seven Mountains will be activated.

SAFETY TIPS

While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if drivers must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:

— Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.

— Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.

— Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.

— Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.

— Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.

— Use your defroster and wipers.

— Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.

— During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.

— Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.

— Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.

— Always buckle up and never drive impaired.

— Have an emergency kit handy.