HARRISBURG, Pa. – Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center (CRCC) at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) headquarters in Harrisburg activated at 8:00 AM in response to Winter Storm Harper, expected to affect the state today through Monday.
“We are taking an aggressive approach to preparedness for this winter storm and having the CRCC activated ensures all hands are on deck and focused on a coordinated effort to provide help where needed as quickly as possible,” Gov. Wolf said. “First and foremost, I want all Pennsylvanians to be safe. We are doing all we can to help with that.”
The CRCC coordinates the deployment of state agency resources to counties that do not have the capability to respond as needed or have exhausted all available resources at the county level. PEMA liaison officers are ready to report to county emergency operations centers if needed.
The CRCC is staffed with personnel from PEMA and multiple state agencies, including the departments of Transportation, Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, General Services, Health, Public Utility Commission, Military and Veterans Affairs, Health, PA State Police, Human Services, Revenue, and PA Turnpike, as well as the American Red Cross and Civil Air Patrol. Other state agencies are on notice to report if needed.
“Activation of the CRCC is the continuation of the planning process for this storm that started days ago,” said PEMA Acting Director Randy Padfield. “We expect this storm to be a significant one, and conditions could change rapidly. We’ll be closely working with our county and state agency partners to monitor the storm and coordinate any response as needed.”
Governor Wolf signed a state of emergency declaration (PDF) yesterday to allow for increased assistance with storm-related needs. The commonwealth also imposed speed restrictions and a ban on all commercial traffic, including buses on most interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike from noon today through noon Sunday.
State officials urge motorists to use caution during the storm, postpone travel if possible, reduce speeds and be aware of the potential for rapidly changing weather and roadway conditions.
Pennsylvanians are encouraged to monitor state agency social media accounts for the most up-to-date information on any emergency or weather-related situation affecting the state, in addition to any social media accounts for your local emergency management offices.
Find more information on Winter Storm Harper preparedness and roadway restrictions here.
