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Here we go again.
For the third time — maybe fourth, depending how you count — since November, Northeastern Pennsylvania is facing a winter storm whose anticipated intensity was enough to start spurring closures and cancellations at least a day before the flakes began flying.
How much? Well, you know how that goes — every forecaster will be saying something different.
As of Monday night, at least, the predictions from the National Weather Service were not encouraging for anyone who does have to go outside. The agency issued a winter storm warning for the region as follows:
• Snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches, beginning around midnight and intensifying during the morning rush hour.
• Snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain by early afternoon and continue overnight, with ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch possible. That could make the evening commute dangerous as well.
• Wind gusts up to 30 mph possibly could add to the misery.
You can read a more detailed forecast on page 8A of Tuesday’s edition.
In the meanwhile, be advised that PennDOT has again imposed restrictions on many roads across the state. They include a full commercial vehicle ban — including buses — on:
• Interstate 380 full length from I-81 to I-80.
• I-80 from I-79 to the New Jersey state line.
• I-81 from I-78 to the New York state line.
• I-84 full length from I-81 to the New York state line.
• I-476 (PA Turnpike, Northeast Ext.) from I-78 to Clarks Summit (exit 131).
• I-180 full length from Route 220/U.S. 15 to I-80.
A 45-mph speed restriction will be imposed on all roads with vehicle restrictions and possibly on other roads as well, depending on conditions.
If you must head out on the highways for some reason, check www.penndot.gov first, where alerts are available in list and map format.