​Montoursville, PA – With rain forecasted this evening and through the overnight hours, Sunday, December 17, 2023, through Monday, December 18, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 3 is advising motorists in north central Pennsylvania to be aware of possible isolated flooding in some locations.

PennDOT cautions motorists to never drive through flooded roadways, as it takes just two feet of fast-moving water to float a car. Anyone who drives around barriers intended to close a road can face increased penalties if emergency responders are called to rescue motorists who disregard traffic control signs.

In addition to rain, which may be heavy at times, the forecast calls for high winds, which could cause downed trees and utilities. The Department advises motorists to report any downed trees or utilities to the local emergency management center for response.

On Monday, December 18, 2023 through Tuesday, December 19, 2023, rain is expected to change to snow, which could cause potential slick conditions. Road surfaces, bridge decks, and overpasses can be snow covered or icy.

The department is prepared and has sufficient amounts of salt and anti-skid on hand. Crews will be treating roads in the region during the storm and until roads are clear.

Motorists are advised that the winter weather may impact early morning commutes and are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. For those who need to travel during winter storms, the department reminds motorists to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com.

Any travel restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511PA.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on the website. 

Although PennDOT crews will be treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear. 

While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/winter.