I-81 Southbound Closed in Schuylkill County; State Agencies Provide Update on Storm Response

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State officials report that while there have been no widespread reports of problems on state-related roadways, Interstate 81 southbound in Schuylkill County is closed due to a tractor trailer accident. Motorists are being detoured off the interstate at Exit 112 (Hegins) to State Route 25, to U.S. Route 209 south and back on Interstate 81 at Exit 107.

Forecasts call for continued light snow, with heavier squalls possible throughout the afternoon and early evening. Although snow may not be accumulating heavily, motorists should drive cautiously due to potentially slick conditions, especially through the evening commute and overnight hours. Motorists are advised to check www.511PA.com for road conditions and traffic alerts on state-maintained roads and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, or to view one of the more than 770 available traffic cameras.

PennDOT crews have been out since before the storm and will work around the clock to keep roads passable. Most roadways are wet with little or no accumulation on them due to pavement temperatures being higher than air temperatures. Crews will continue to spread materials such as salt or anti-skid to help maintain traction as temperatures decrease overnight.

At 8 a.m. today, staffing at PEMA headquarters outside Harrisburg was enhanced to Level 2 with additional personnel from the following agencies: Department of General Services, Office of Administration, Department of Health, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the American Red Cross. Personnel from the PA State Police, PA Turnpike and PennDOT reported to PEMA yesterday evening.

The commonwealth's ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency occurs: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved. More detailed information, including free downloadable emergency home and car kit checklists and emergency plan templates, is available online at www.ReadyPA.org. The free ReadyPA app is also available for both Apple and Android devices.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth Miller – PEMA: 717-651-2009; [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us/