Pennsylvania warns motorists to be on the lookout for snow squalls

• Scott LaMar
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  Scott LaMar has worked in both radio and television for more than four decades.
  
  Currently, LaMar is the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on WITF-FM, 89.5 & 93.3 in Harrisburg, Pa.
  
  Previously, LaMar was WITF TV’s Sr. Public Affairs producer and produced the station’s award-winning weekly public affairs TV program, Smart Talk.
  
  In addition to his on-air duties, LaMar has moderated political candidate debates, including those for candidates running for Pennsylvania governor and the U.S. Senate and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
  
  LaMar often emcees or moderates local events and has gone as far as California to emcee a national event.
  
  The American Society of Civil Engineers honored LaMar with their national Excellence in Journalism award in 2020. He has been nominated for five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
  
  LaMar and The Spark have been recognized throughout the Central Pennsylvania community including ADVOZ Lancaster’s “Dignity in Dialogue Award”, the South-Central Assembly’s “Regional Citizen Award” and was named a “Humanitarian Hero” by The Humane Society of the United States/Pennsylvania.
  
  A native of Coatesville, Pa., LaMar has also worked as a broadcast news anchor, sports play-by-play announcer and manager.

Car moves along an asphalt road during a snow storm

Airdate: November 21, 2022

 

While the record-breaking snowstorm that struck western New York this weekend has gotten so much attention, there were places in Pennsylvania where snow squalls made driving hazardous.

A snow squall is a brief but intense period of heavy snow that can result in up to two inches of snow in a half hour, 30 mile per hour winds and visibility less than a quarter mile.

Motorists in Pennsylvania are being warned to be on the lookout for snow squalls and advised on how to stay safe when driving in one.

Joining us on The Spark Monday are Randy Padfield, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Jon Fleming, Highway Administration Executive Director with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

PennDot tips for driving in snow squalls:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
• Turn your headlights on.
• Stay in your lane.
• Increase your distance between vehicles.
• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
• Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.
• Use your defroster and wipers.
• Turn your four-way flashers on.
• Keep the windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.
• 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 drink and drive.

With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.