POCONOS – The latest tracking information suggests most of the biggest storm of the season will pass to the south, dumping as much as a foot or more in parts of southern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.  North of Interstate 80, accumulations are expected to be at most, a coating to perhaps three inches.

Anyone planning on traveling, however, is advised to plan accordingly. 

With significant snow accumulations forecast for much of Pennsylvania Friday night into Saturday, PennDOT today urged motorists to avoid traveling Friday night through Saturday evening and urged those who must venture out to pack an emergency survival kit. 

“Travel during the storm will be extremely risky and motorists really need to ask themselves if their trip is an absolute necessity or if it can be avoided until after the storm has passed,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Scott Christie, P.E. “The best decision is to avoid unnecessary travel, but if you must go, be sure that your vehicle is prepared and that you have an emergency kit packed.”

A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

In addition to packing a survival kit, motorists should be sure that a relative or friend knows what time they will travel,