Governor Rendell to Activate State Emergency Operations Center Tonight in Anticipation of Potential Winter Storm

State Emergency Operations Center Will Activate Tonight at 10 p.m.

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 24 -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that the State Emergency Operations Center in Harrisburg will be activated at 10 p.m. tonight in anticipation of a second winter storm forecast to hit the Commonwealth in less than two weeks.

"The State Emergency Operations Center will be prepared for operations, partially manned and will stand by for a full Level 4 activation if needed," Governor Rendell said. "My public safety team is ready to respond to any emergency incidents that should arise."

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is continuing its communication with the National Weather Service and counties to assess local and regional weather conditions. Other state department and agency personnel including PennDOT, State Police, the department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Health and the Public Utility Commission will be staffed in the State Emergency Operations Center.

"With snow, sleet and freezing rain in the forecast for many Pennsylvania counties, I am calling on motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads and delay travel if at all possible," Governor Rendell said.

Motorists within Pennsylvania may call PennDOT's 24-hour, toll-free road condition hotline at 1-888-783-6783 for interstate conditions. Out-of-state motorists can call 717-783-5186. For assistance in the event of an emergency, call 911.

For additional emergency preparedness and winter safety information as well as current weather advisories please visit the PA Emergency Management Agency Web site at www.pema.state.pa.us.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: www.governor.state.pa.us.