Central PA could get up to 8 inches of snow. How to check road conditions in real-time

Snow is finally in the forecast for Centre County this weekend, just a few weeks after the winter season began. The State College area has observed hardly any snow since temperatures dropped in the fall and early winter.

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?

According to AccuWeather’s online forecast, snow is expected to begin in the State College area around 3 p.m. Saturday and continue through Sunday evening. Between 4 and 8 inches of snow are expected, but the total amount of precipitation could increase if the storm moves farther north as it crosses Pennsylvania.

The storm is not expected to produce much ice, but travel conditions may deteriorate heading into Saturday night. That could affect the plans of Penn State students and their families as they return to State College in droves this weekend before classes for the spring semester begin Jan. 8.

“If you have to drive and want to avoid the snow, the earlier in the day you can get out, the better,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines said Wednesday. “Those traveling long distances from Harrisburg or wherever... it’s going to be snowing down there, too. For a lot of us, we haven’t had to deal with snowy weather traveling-wise in a long time. Take it easy out there later Saturday and Saturday night.”

The National Weather Service’s State College office issued Friday a winter storm warning for much of central and southern Pennsylvania. The notice calls for roughly 4 to 8 inches of snow between Saturday and Sunday morning, likely compromising road conditions and visibility. The heaviest snow is expected Saturday evening.

Snow is finally on the way to central PA. See forecast and how it could affect travel

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.