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July 31, 2025 Travel Advisory

PA Turnpike Warns Drivers to Prepare for Heavy Rains and Potential Flooding


PA Turnpike Warns Drivers to Prepare for Heavy Rains and Potential Flooding 

Speed restrictions will be implemented as needed

Middletown , Pa. — Due to the predicted forecast beginning this afternoon, July 31 into the early morning Friday, August 1, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is reminding travelers to stay alert for changing weather conditions.  

If speed restrictions are needed, they will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. 

Heavy rain and flooding create dangerous driving conditions and low visibility. Avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during storms is the safest choice.  

If motorists must travel, the PA Turnpike offers this advice:  

  • Drivers should always be aware of changing weather conditions and potential flooding on roadways and in low-lying areas.  
  • Drivers should always obey warning signs and traffic control devices, and never drive through flooding or standing water on roads. 
  • Motorists are also reminded that Pennsylvania law requires headlights to be turned on anytime a vehicle's wipers are needed.  
  • Drivers should turn on their full headlights during rain events as the daylight running lights feature on some vehicles does not automatically turn on the taillights. 
  • Stay alert of objects like tree branches that may blow onto the roadway. 
  • Slow down and increase focus on the road.  
  • Add an appropriate amount of distance between your vehicle and others. 
  • When driving at high speeds in the rain, it’s important that you have well working wipers. If you haven’t replaced your wipers in a while, consider doing so. 
  • You are more likely to hydroplane with worn out tires. Check the tread of your vehicle’s tires before you hit the road. 
  • Have an emergency kit handy. Here are some suggestions of what you could include in your emergency kit. 

Safety is a top priority and core value for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. The PA Turnpike routinely implements strategies to reduce the vulnerability of our 565+ mile roadway system to flood and weather-related hazards and takes additional measures to create safer roads when extreme weather is predicted. The PA Turnpike will have additional crews supporting the roadway and will be monitoring the system during the storm throughout its duration.  

To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions, use one of these resources: 

ON THE TURNPIKE  

511PA Smartphone App: real-time, hands-free PA traffic advisories 

Digital Message Signs: more than 200 boards along the PA Turnpike 

ON THE WEB  

511/511pa.com: live, interactive map  

X/Twitter: @PATurnpikeAlert 

BY PHONE 

511: dial from any PA roadway for local travel information 

Pennsylvania Turnpike Customer Assistance Center: 877-736-6727, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

 

A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.

 

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Media Contacts:

Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com 

Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com