Winter storm causes closed roads, crashes in Centre County

With icy conditions and a number of weather-related crashes reported throughout Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.

Those who must travel may encounter slowed travel, closures and lane restrictions, PennDOT said. A winter storm warning is in effect for central Pennsylvania through 7 a.m. Friday, with the National Weather Service predicting 2-8 inches of snow and sleet accumulations.

Penn State’s University Park campus was closed Thursday, along with all Centre County school districts and a number of local businesses.

Here’s a look at some of impacts of the storm:

• The Millheim Narrows in Penn Township was closed on both lanes Thursday afternoon due to a downed tree and wires, according to dispatch reports.

• The Mt. Nittany Expressway (U.S. Route 322) was closed at the College Ave/State Route 26 interchange for several hours due to an overturned tractor trailer. It reopened just before 7 p.m.

• A crash on I-80 westbound between the Snow Shoe (exit 147) and Philipsburg/Kylertown (exit 133) had all lanes closed. Lanes reopened at about 6:30 p.m.

PennDOT had restrictions in place on roadways throughout Thursday. By 9 p.m., most in the region, including a 45 mph speed limit on U.S. Route 322, had been lifted.

For the latest on road conditions and closures, visit www.511pa.com.

This story was originally published December 15, 2022 at 8:06 AM.