Snowstorm turns morning commute into a wreck
What began as a slightly slippery morning commute turned dangerous Monday, as heavy snow blasted the area and caused havoc for drivers.
The worst of the weather began just before 9 a.m. in the southwest portion of Butler County. Two accidents were reported on Interstate 79 in Lancaster Township, two miles and two minutes apart from each another.
In Cranberry Township crews responded to a two-vehicle accident at about 9:20 a.m. at 2067 Ehrman Road. Officers at the scene said there were no serious injuries, though both drivers asked to be checked by medical personnel. As that scene was cleared, crews were called to another accident on Franklin Road, though no injuries were initially reported.
Plow and salt trucks were seen making the rounds on Route 19 throughout the morning, returning often to the township public works building to replenish salt.
PennDOT has temporarily reduced the speed limit on Interstates 79 and 80 to 45 mph.
PennDOT also urges homeowners to protect their mailboxes during the storm by ensuring those mailboxes can stand up to the weight of snow thrown from a plow. PennDOT also recommends placing reflective tape on the mailbox to help snow plow operators see it at night and removing snow from around the mailbox — without throwing it back onto the road.
