Pennsylvania prepares for winter storm
Streets department workers David Boardly, left, and James Ockimey clear a downed tree during a winter storm, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Marple Township, Pa. A nor’easter pounded the Atlantic coast with hurricane-force winds and sideways rain and snow Friday, flooding streets, grounding flights, stopping trains and leaving 1.6 million customers without power from North Carolina to Maine. At least five people were killed by falling trees or branches. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The second winter storm in less than a week is dumping snow on the eastern part of central Pennsylvania.
Forecasters expect Lancaster County, the eastern tip of Lebanon County and Berks County to receive the most snowfall, after the storm shifted to the east of what was originally anticipated.
Northeastern Pennsylvania is expected to get hit the hardest, with Pike County projected to get as much as 14 inches.
Governor Tom Wolf says that could complicate efforts to help about 40,000 people still without power in that region after last week’s storm toppled trees and dumped snow on northeastern counties.
“This has already been a difficult week for many of our citizens in the areas that are going to be affected most heavily today,” he said.
Meteorologist Paul Head with the National Weather Service in State College says Berks County could see eight to 12 inches of snow by tonight, while parts of Lebanon and Lancaster counties could get between three and eight inches.
Though some midstate counties may see little snow, Wolf says conditions could change quickly, leading to hazardous road conditions in any part of the state. Wolf urges people to stay off the roads if possible and check in on neighbors.
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Rick Flynn says everyone from the state police to the Department of Environmental Protection are on alert if they are needed.
Some 450 Pennsylvania National Guard troops also are on standby in counties expected to get hit hardest.
PennDOT has also lowered speeds in some areas and restricted commercial truck traffic.
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
