A winter storm is wreaking havoc on the evening commute, slicking roads, cutting visibility and spawning accidents throughout the region.
First responders and road crews are chasing reports of numerous accidents and ice-glazed roads. Times-Tribune reporters and photographers will update coverage throughout the storm, which is forecast to stretch into the Tuesday morning commute.
Senior AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Smerbeck said three to six inches of snow should cover the region, depending on altitude, by morning. But after the snow, as temperatures start to approach the freezing point, it will turn into freezing rain and then just rain.
"It's going to be sloppy at the start of the day tomorrow," Mr. Smerbeck said. "Some snow, slush and some melting going on, then during the day temperatures will warm close to 40 degrees. By mid-day all precipitation is over."
But problems for travelers will not be over. As the day turns to night, temperatures will drop down to 24 degrees, freezing the water into black ice.
State Department of Transportation spokesman James May said PennDOT has been busy preparing 46,000 tons of rock salt, 15,000 tons of anti-skid and 218,000 gallons of brine to cover Northeast Pennsylvania roads.
Mr. May said drivers should keep a winter-weather preparedness kit handy. Mr. May agreed that black ice poses a considerable challenge for drivers.
"Because of that, it is very important to be very aware and be very aware of black ice. Travel at the right speed for the conditions," Mr. May said. "From our end that's why we put down the brine ahead of time."
Mr. May said to visit justdrivepa.com for more winter weather driving tips.
Check back for updates.
Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, @jkohutTT on Twitter