By Tiffany Williams –
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro on Friday signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency to free up state resources ahead of a winter storm expected to impact Pennsylvania this weekend, allowing agencies to accelerate preparation and response efforts statewide.
The declaration enables the commonwealth to quickly draw down funding and deploy personnel and equipment to assist counties and municipalities as conditions worsen. State officials said the 2025–26 budget, signed into law by Shapiro, doubled available disaster response funding from $20 million to $40 million, expanding the state’s ability to respond to emergencies and protect residents and visitors.
“This declaration gives PEMA the flexibility to pre-position resources, streamline coordination, and respond quickly if conditions deteriorate this weekend,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “At the same time, we urge Pennsylvanians to do their part by preparing ahead of the storm, staying informed, and making decisions that protect themselves and others.”
Earlier Friday, the Shapiro administration outlined preparedness measures during a press conference at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The Commonwealth Response Coordination Center has been activated at PEMA and will remain staffed for the duration of the storm to coordinate state agency operations. State officials said planning and staging efforts began earlier this week.
Authorities urged motorists to avoid travel during the storm, noting that while the disaster declaration does not ban travel, local road restrictions may be imposed. PennDOT advised drivers who must travel to check real-time road and weather conditions through 511PA, which provides statewide traffic updates, winter road condition maps, and access to traffic cameras via its website, mobile apps, phone service, and regional alerts.