More snow makes central PA streets slick. How to check road conditions in real-time
After a dry start to the winter season, snow and below-freezing temperatures are back in full swing in Centre County lately.
While a winter storm isn’t all bad news, a few inches of snow can produce additional traffic and hazards on the road. Luckily, many Pennsylvania regions offer a network of traffic cameras and live video feeds that give people a chance to scout road conditions before leaving home.
Here’s where you can find local traffic cameras, plus what you need to know about this weekend’s forecast and driving with snow and ice on the roads.
What does the forecast say about snow in State College?
Snow is back in the forecast after an unusually warm weekend in Centre County.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday that will stretch from midnight through 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13. Forecasts are calling for between five and eight inches of snow in central Pennsylvania during that time.
All of Centre County and much of north-central Pennsylvania is included in the most recent winter storm warning. Snow could be especially heavy early Tuesday morning with rates potentially exceeding an inch per hour, the NWS warns.
How can I check road conditions with PA traffic cameras?
You can view a large network of traffic cameras and live video feeds through 511PA, which manages travel information, traffic alerts and news for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Browse cameras online by visiting 511pa.com/cameralisting.aspx. There, you’ll find options for dozens of video feeds and camera angles in eight different regions from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, State College, Altoona, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and even the Pocono Mountains.
Locally, traffic cameras and live video feeds are offered for the following routes near State College and Centre County:
- Atherton Street
- Interstate 180
- Interstate 80
- Interstate 99
- Pennsylvania Route 150
- Pennsylvania Route 147
- Pennsylvania Route 3014
- Pennsylvania Route 45
- U.S. Route 15
- U.S. Route 219
- U.S. Route 220
- U.S. Route 255
- U.S. Route 322
While these camera feeds can’t tell you everything you need to know about travel conditions, you should be able to use them to briefly examine traffic levels, road conditions and visibility, among other qualities. These feeds, generally labeled by intersection, include multiple vantage points and usually offer streaming video.
For more information on road conditions and traffic hazards, consider following your region’s 511PA account on X (formerly known as Twitter) for updates. The agency’s website, 511pa.com, offers an interactive map that regularly updates with road closures, traffic hazards and other information you might need before commuting in inclement weather.
Safe winter driving in Pennsylvania
PennDOT encourages all drivers to eliminate unnecessary travel if winter weather is in the forecast. But those who must hit the road should try to keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Always listen to weather and travel advisories. If you don’t need to travel in bad weather, stay home.
- Keep your gas tank at least halfway full.
- Beware of roads that look wet but are actually frozen. This is sometimes called “black ice.”
- Use extra caution on ramps and bridges, where ice can form more easily without warning.
- Be sure to keep a cell phone on your person and a winter emergency travel kit in your car.
- Avoid sudden stops and starts, and be sure to slow down and increase your following distance from other vehicles.
- Keep your headlights on if your wipers are on. Additionally, use your low beams in bad weather, especially when snow is heavy or blowing due to strong winds.
- Do not park or abandon your vehicle on a snow emergency route.
- Do not pass or merge between trucks in a plowing line (such as several trucks plowing side by side).
- Make sure someone else knows where you are going and when you are expected to arrive. Someone will know to look for you if you run into an emergency or need help.
- If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. Keep your tailpipe clear and run the engine every hour or so.
PennDOT maintains several guides regarding winter driving and safety on its website. There, you’ll find several brochures, diagrams and fact sheets that can help keep you safe on the roads this winter.
This story was originally published January 5, 2024 at 10:58 AM.
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