Lake-Effect Snow Hammers Pennsylvania; 59-Vehicle Pileup Shuts Down Interstate

A deluge of lake-effect snow hit Pennsylvania and cities across the Great Lakes region hard on Thursday, creating chaotic travel conditions and a massive pileup that has shut down I-80.

The accident occurred near State College on I-80 eastbound and has closed all lanes in that direction, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The incident occurred at around 9:25 a.m. It involved 59 vehicles, including 22 tractor-trailers and 37 cars, WJAC TV reports. Only three minor injuries have been reported. Officials said that closure is in effect from Exit 90 all the way to Exit 97.

The snow squalls have led to both slippery roads and limited visibility.

Another major accident hit I-80 eastbound near Exit 97 at Dubois Regional Airport, traffic service PA 511 reported. The incident occurred at 12:34 p.m., briefly shutting down all lanes in that direction.

Lake-effect snow is generated by freezing air moving over warmer, as of yet unfrozen lakes.

Patch file photo