“This dangerous storm continues to have devastating impacts across the South and as it heads toward Pennsylvania, we are expecting significant rainfall across the state. This proclamation will allow for our emergency preparedness teams to provide any support needed throughout the storm and its aftermath,” Gov. Wolf said.

The Governor also asked residents to monitor weather conditions. “I urge Pennsylvanians to monitor local weather and traffic conditions before making any plans and prepare for potential flooding.”

According to the Official Pennsylvania Government website, the heaviest rainfall is expected Wednesday into Wednesday night.

Much of Pennsylvania is going to see 3-6 inches of rain today, with up to 8 inches possible locally.

I’ve signed a proclamation of disaster emergency to allow our emergency preparedness teams to provide any support needed during the storm and its aftermath.

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 1, 2021

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has been tracking Ida since before it made landfall along the Gulf coast.

Excessive rainfall associated with Ida combined with pre-saturated conditions will likely result in considerable flash, urban, and river flooding impacts Wednesday into Thursday in parts of south-central Pennsylvania.

Widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches are expected across south-central Pennsylvania with locally higher amounts up to 7 inches possible.

Ida remnants could also cause that several streams and creeks reach minor to moderate flood levels in the Juniata and Lower Main Stem Susquehanna basins. A few points could crest above major flood stage on Thursday.

Tornado threat

An isolated damaging wind gust or weak/brief tornado threat remains limited and confined to extreme southeast Pennsylvania.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) warns motorists not to drive across roads covered with water because even shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway.

Anyone planning to travel should closely monitor weather conditions along travel routes. Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts and traffic speed information.

The post Ida remnants: Gov. Tom Wolf signs disaster emergency proclamation appeared first on El Sol News Media.

It is expected that this strong winter storm will cause multiple hazards across the region in addition to heavy snow, including heavy sleet, ice, strong winds, and coastal flooding.

The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel to deal with the storm.

“Currently, models predict that the first significant winter storm in nearly a year will hit Pennsylvania tomorrow,” Gov. Wolf said. “The commonwealth’s emergency preparedness teams have spent a great deal of time and energy over the last several months supporting efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and help the commonwealth weather this public health emergency and ensure vaccines are delivered as planned. This proclamation makes it easier for all of those involved in vaccine delivery and keeping people safe to do their jobs.”

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Gov. Wolf also recommends residents to avoid traveling, unless necessary.

“Keep your loved ones safe”

“Commonwealth agencies have been watching this storm for several days, and we are ready to provide whatever support is needed to keep our citizens safe during this potentially dangerous storm,” Gov. Wolf said. “We encourage you to prepare now to keep your loved ones safe, and also avoid any unnecessary travel.”

Wolf says the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be announcing speed and travel restrictions due to the snow.

PennDOT crews spent Tuesday pre-treating roads and getting their snow plows and salt trucks ready to take on the winter storm.

The post Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf signed proclamation of disaster emergency for the winter storm appeared first on El Sol News Media.