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[STORMREPORTS] PEMA Updates During Blizzard

From: Jesse Ferrell (WeatherMatrix) (jesse{at}weathermatrix.net)
Date: Wed Feb 19 2003 - 18:11:29 EST

I have obtained the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Office's updates
during the Blizzard:

. Adverse Weather

(Governors Office, 11:00 p.m., 2/16/03) Gov. Rendell declared a statewide
disaster emergency enabling state, county and municipal governments to
respond to the snow storm that blanketed the state. The storm that began
impacting the state at sunrise on Saturday morning, February 16, is
forecast to continue covering the Commonwealth with snowfall until late
Monday evening, February 17. Snow accumulations are expected to be
heaviest in the southern tier of the state where up to two feet of snowfall
is forecast. Emergency operations centers for the State and 13 counties
(including Adams, Beaver, Bedford, Cumberland, Delaware, Franklin,
Lancaster, Lehigh, Philadelphia, Snyder, Union, Washington and York) were
activated in response to the storm. The Pennsylvania State Police reported
numerous vehicle accidents and temporary road and interstate closures
across the state. As of 7:00 a.m., February 17, all major roadways and
interstates, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, remained snow covered,
but were passable. PennDOT and the State Police continue to advise
motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Persons traveling by
air can expect major delays. In Pennsylvania, Philadelphia International
Airport is closed for snow removal. Airport operations reported that the
Philadelphia International Airport could remain closed until Tuesday
afternoon, February 18. Harrisburg International Airport is closed until
at least noon February 17. SEOC will follow-up.

. Follow-up: Adverse Weather

(National Weather Service, 2/16/03) Gov. Rendells statewide disaster
declaration is still in effect to assist in the recovery efforts from the
snow storm.
Traveling conditions throughout the state are improving as snow removal
activities continue. Travelers still must be ready for difficult driving
conditions on secondary and tertiary roadways. Multiple vehicle accidents
across the state have resulted in additional road closures. The National
Weather Service reported the heaviest snowfall throughout the southern
Pennsylvania counties. Cumberland County in south central Pennsylvania
received thirty-one (31) inches of snowfall. There were twenty-three (23)
storm-related deaths across the Commonwealth as reported by the counties. 

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Jesse Ferrell - Meteorologist / Webmaster / Founder - WeatherMatrix
5000 Weather Enthusiasts Can't Be Wrong! www.weathermatrix.net 

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