Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding drivers to slow down, pay attention and use caution on area roadways with heavy snow expected over the next few days.

PennDOT said its equipment is ready to hit the roads, and plow trucks and drivers can easily be shifted to help clear areas seeing the most snow. Crews will be working in 12-hour shifts to maintain the roads during a snow event.

Drivers should be alert for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning and quickly cause roads to become snow covered. Heavy squalls also can cause whiteout conditions. Falling temperatures and blowing and drifting snow can cause icy areas on roadways including overpasses and bridges.

Roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling, according to PennDOT. Roads that look wet may actually be icy when temperatures fall below freezing, and extra caution is needed on bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.

“Our crews will work in 12-hour shifts to maintain the roads and equipment as long as the storm lasts. Our goal is to provide safe and passable roadways. We ask in return that area motorists do their part to keep our drivers safe and never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials,” Fox said.

PennDOT is asking drivers to avoid or delay unnecessary travel during winter storms and offers this advice if you must be out on the roads:

  • Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
  • Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
  • Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
  • Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
  • Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
  • Use your defroster and wipers.
  • Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
  • During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
  • 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 drive impaired.?

If a crash happens due to or during a snow squall and you are involved or stopped due to the crash:

  • In most cases, you are safer in your vehicle with seat belts fastened.
  • If possible, drive slowly to the front of the pileup and get off travel lanes.
  • If you must leave your car for an emergency, try to wait until it looks safe.
  • Do not stand outside your vehicle on or near the roadway.

Drivers can check conditions on more than 40,000 miles of road, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, on 511PA.

PennDOT advises drivers to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include phone chargers, non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. The emergency kit should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications.