Harrisburg, PA – As the Christmas season continues and millions prepare to travel, Pennsylvania is bracing for an Arctic blast that’s expected to bring snow, freezing rain, and dangerous cold through the weekend. Temperatures are forecast to plunge into the teens and low 20s across much of the state, with single-digit wind chills possible in central and northern counties.
The same Arctic system pushing across the country has sent temperatures tumbling coast to coast. Even parts of Florida were under Freeze Warnings Friday morning, underscoring how far-reaching the cold has become. For Pennsylvania, the combination of snow, icy roads, and bitter wind chills will make for hazardous driving conditions from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.
State transportation officials are warning travelers to plan ahead and ensure their vehicles are prepared for the extreme cold. Recommended emergency items include bottled water, snacks, blankets, gloves, and a flashlight. A shovel, traction materials like cat litter or sand, and a portable phone charger are also advised. Keeping a gas tank at least half full and checking tire pressure can prevent additional problems in subzero conditions.
Motorists using I-81, I-76, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike should expect slower travel times and possible delays as plows work to clear accumulating snow. Drivers are reminded to reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm’s peak.
As holiday travel continues under a deep winter chill, officials emphasize that preparedness is the best safeguard. A few minutes spent checking supplies and reviewing weather forecasts could be the difference between a short delay and a dangerous roadside emergency this Christmas season.
