Heavy snowfall presents hazardous conditions; extreme caution urged

Photo by Annemarie Mountz Penn State Tree Crew member Drew Beben works to dislodge snow from leaves to reduce the chance of branches cracking and breaking under the weight caused by the heavy snow clinging to the leaves. For more photos, click on the image above.

University Park, Pa. -- The early snowfall in the region has brought with it nearly 6 inches of heavy, wet snow that has caused a number of hazardous conditions in the area, including downed power lines and tree damage. While the University Park campus remains open and will operate on time, employees and students are urged to use extreme caution and remain alert to areas that may either be closed off to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or could pose a potentially unsafe condition.

Falling limbs may present hazards until temperatures rise and the snow melts. Pugh Street Mall, Allen Street Mall, Schreyer Lane, Hastings Road near Graduate Circle and College Avenue near Pugh Street are some of the key areas which could have falling or damaged branches.

Currently, Curtin Road near the intersection of Porter Road is closed to traffic and drivers should find alternate routes. For pedestrians, University Police and Office of Physical Plant will mark areas to avoid with yellow cautionary tape. Police are asking people to avoid these areas and use other sidewalk routes that are available.

More information will be provided here at http://live.psu.edu as it becomes available.