Drivers, road crews brace for possibly icy conditions overnight winter storm

Drivers are bracing for a dangerous ice storm overnight that could turn roads into a slippery and hazardous mess.

“That’s probably the worst thing to have is ice versus snow,” said Richard Lucci of Center Township. “First off, you don’t even know it’s there.”

Road crews are worried that when temperatures get below freezing, things could get icy. That’s why PennDOT and the PA Turnpike Commission are urging people to stay off the roads if they can and abide by speed and vehicle restrictions.

“If they don’t have to travel, don’t because freezing rain creates dangerous driving conditions, regardless of how we treat the roads,” said PA Turnpike Assistant Press Secretary Crispin Havener.

The PA Turnpike will have crews working around the clock treating the roughly 565 miles of roadway.

“We have more than 425 trucks, plows and salt spreaders at our availability throughout the system,” Havener said.

The incoming storm prompted the Beaver Valley Mall to close three hours early Wednesday and will open a couple hours late Thursday.

Russell White of New Brighton plans on hunkering down during the storm at least for a little while.

“I’m not afraid to drive unless they’re really bad,” White said. “I tend to keep plenty of toilet paper, plenty of bread, milk. I’m usually pretty well prepared so I’m not too worried about it. I got enough to last for awhile.”

Richard Lucci, who owns Kitchen and Bath Remodeling in Center Township, said he has to drive to work no matter what the road conditions are.

“Absolutely,” Lucci said. “Open the showroom, got things to do, stuff to schedule, people to meet. There’s nothing but hills between my house and my work for three miles so slow is the key.”

If you have to be on the roads, experts say drive slowly and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.

“We always encourage folks to increase your following distance and avoid any sudden movements, and keep both your hands on the wheel,” Havener said.

It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency roadside kit in your car, a blanket, and some snacks. If you do run into trouble on the Turnpike, you can call *1-1 for help.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW