Ahead of anticipated lake-effect snowstorm in northern Pennsylvania starting Wednesday evening, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving. Additionally, PennDOT will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.

The storm will begin as snow Wednesday evening in the northwest and will spread eastward through the northern Pennsylvania Thursday into Friday. Snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour are possible in Erie and Crawford counties, along with wind gusts of over 30 miles per hour throughout the storm.

Restrictions are planned for certain vehicles during the storm, and will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions are safe. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT personnel.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan Interstate 86, entire length and I-90, entire length.

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

Tractors without trailers; Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers; Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers; Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV; Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers; Recreational vehicles/motorhomes; School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.

Motorcycles.

Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.