We ask for your prayers as we report that the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Downingtown to Morgantown is closed due to a multi-car crash in the westbound lanes following heavy snow.
A motorist who had gotten out of his car after a minor accident was hit and killed setting off a chain reaction crash involving about 50 cars. It is the largest among many crashes reported across the region today as drivers and road crews were caught off-guard by the intensity of the snowfall. Road conditions were treacherous, despite PennDOT’s preparations for the storm which began on Saturday. “We got the roads salted well for the transition,” said Gene Blaum, spokesman for PennDOT. “The intensity is just so strong.”
Snow started moving in just before noon and about an hour before that, PenDOT deployed 300 trucks to treat the roadways. By early afternoon, the full fleet of 415 trucks were working the roads. “It was supposed to be relatively light throughout the afternoon. This is a much heavier snowfall than what was predicted,” said Blaum.
We have no further information concerning injuries or fatalities at present but will try to bring you further information as it becomes available.
The snow was expected to start changing to sleet around 6 p.m. according to meteorologists.
We offer our prayers and condolences for anyone killed or injured due to this major storm and for their families.