As snow begins to fall throughout the area, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is temporarily reducing the speed limit on Interstate 81. Additionally, speed and vehicle restrictions have been implemented on several other roads in east central Pennsylvania.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County; and Interstate 380 in Monroe County.

Vehicle restrictions are in place on the following roadways:

I-80 in Carbon and Monroe counties;

I-81 in Schuylkill County; and

I-380 in Monroe County.

Interstate 78 in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties;

Interstate 80 in Carbon and Monroe counties;

Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County;

US 22 in Lehigh and Northampton counties;

PA 33 in Northampton and Monroe counties

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

Tractors without trailers;

Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers;

Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers;

Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV;

Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers;

Recreational vehicles/motorhomes;

School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches; and

motorcycles.

Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

Rain, snow, and sleet is in the forecast for this afternoon, with a high near 37. The storm accumulation has been downgraded to 1 to 3 inches. A weather advisory is in effect through 7 p.m.