January 23, 2025

Harrisburg, PA – Winter weather is here, and navigating the unique hazards of snow squalls is crucial for drivers to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Thanks to a new partnership, drivers could soon get more relevant information to help them stay safe on the roads.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) are teaming up with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to prioritize roadway safety and further study how snow squalls affect driving.

“We have seen snow squalls occur on the Turnpike, and it definitely affects how people drive, which is why we want to support this study and hopefully help educate drivers on how to safely navigate through a snow squall,” said Craig Shuey, Chief Operating Officer for the PA Turnpike.

A snow squall is a brief and intense period of heavy snow (up to 2 inches in 30 minutes), strong winds (30+ mph), and whiteout conditions (visibility less than mile). Due to their isolated and intense nature, snow squalls can catch drivers off guard and lead to major transportation impacts, including multi-vehicle crashes.

Speakers Include:
Craig Shuey, Chief Operating Officer, PA Turnpike
Larry Shifflet, Executive Deputy Secretary, PennDOT
John Bangoff, Lead Meteorologist, National Weather Service, State College
Dr. Jase Bernhardt, Hofstra University

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