Pennsylvania police have warned drivers to avoid Coxton Road in Duryea, Pennsylvania after avalanches blocked the roadway rendering it impassable on Sunday as a winter storm affected parts of the region, according to local reports.
Officials said snow and debris covered the route and urged motorists to use alternate routes and avoid travel unless necessary while crews responded, the Fox 56 reported.
The Context
While the road closure isn’t impacting major traffic, it illustrates the rare occurrence of avalanches in the state as a deadly winter storm continues to pound the south and northeast.
Winter storm Ferm has brought heavy snow, sleet, and arctic temperatures to multiple states over weekend, creating travel issues and leaving nearly a million customers without power across the country.
President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for several states Saturday as the powerful storm took aim at the U.S.
What To Know
Duryea Police issued an urgent traffic advisory Sunday afternoon after significant avalanches blocked Coxton Road beyond the 900 block, cautioning that snow and debris made the road impassable and asking drivers to avoid the area.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation was notified and was expected to respond, according to a report from Fox 56.
Officials urged motorists throughout the region to use alternate routes and to avoid travel unless necessary while hazardous conditions persisted, and said drivers should monitor for further updates as crews worked to address the scene.
Similar warnings have been given for other states, including Kentucky, where Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.
“Road conditions are dangerous right now, and we need folks to avoid travel,” Beshear said. “We are closing state offices tomorrow to help keep roadways clear so that our KYTC crews can continue to work. Let’s work together to keep each other safe, Kentucky.”
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul also warned residents to stay off the roads due the dangerous conditions.
“New York, we’re not through this winter storm just yet. Stay off the roads, check on your neighbors, and stay safe,” she said in a post on X Sunday afternoon.
Further south, Texans have been warned of the freezing temperatures and advised to stay off the roads.
“If you don’t need to go somewhere today try to stay off the roads,” Governor Greg Abbott said on X.
Aside from roadways, at least 30 airports have been closed as more than 10,000 flights were cancelled Sunday due to the storm.
What People Are Saying
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a post on X Sunday: “The Texas Dept. of Transportation is working around the clock to clear roads, but those roads remain treacherous. Many/most roads are ice slicks that lead to wrecks. Be careful while driving, and if you don’t need to go somewhere today try to stay off the roads.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a post on X Sunday: “Road conditions are extremely hazardous in many areas of the state as the winter storm continues. If you don’t have to travel, don’t try to go out on the roads.”
What Happens Next
Duryea Police said they would provide updates as crews worked to clear Coxton Road and remove avalanche debris; officials asked drivers to use alternate routes until conditions improved.
The National Weather Service has warned these dangerous conditions could last through Monday.
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