Due to the severity of a winter storm, PennDOT this morning is temporarily reducing the speed limit on Interstate 80 in Clarion and Jefferson counties.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph in that area.

A snow storm Wednesday caused a deadly 18-vehicle crash on the same stretch of I-80. Two people died in that crash which closed the westbound lanes for 12 hours.

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