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In Focus: Embrace the ‘season of giving’

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra bringing new music to Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre on Dec. 11

WILKES-BARRE &#8212;Thanksgiving is just a few days away, but before turkeys are carved and gravy is passed, many throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania will have travel to visit their loved ones.Thankfully for commuters in these parts, weather shouldn&#8217;t play a significant factor in those holiday plans.&#8220;We&#8217;re looking good,&#8221; said WNEP meteorologist Tom Clark. &#8220;We&#8217;re going to have dry weather for Wednesday and Thursday and into Friday morning.&#8221;Clark added the region could get some rain into Friday night, and colder temperatures on Saturday could bring the potential for flurries. He does not anticipate any holiday travel issues.Clark also said temperatures will be warmer later this week and could break into the 50s.While no snow is expected during the holiday week, Clark said computers are indicating a potential storm could move along the east coast early next week.As a result, he said there is the potential to have the &#8220;first measurable snowfall&#8221; this season, but stressed predictions are still early.&#8220;It&#8217;s still a pretty long way off, depending on the exact track of the storm,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It&#8217;s kind of a long shot now.&#8221;Safe travelsWhile snow isn&#8217;t in the forecast for holiday commuters, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Leslie Richards urged drivers to take steps now for a safe holiday travel period and winter season.On Monday, Richards announced a new tool on www.511PA.com that allows users to see how traffic speeds on the Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2013 and 2014 compare to average traffic conditions.&#8220;With Thanksgiving being one of the busiest travel periods during the year, it can be a challenge to decide when to begin your trip,&#8221; Richards said. &#8220;This page is one more way we&#8217;re putting as much information as possible into drivers&#8217; hands so they can make informed travel decisions.&#8221;The &#8220;Historic Holiday Traffic&#8221; page allows users to choose their region and view an hour-by-hour, color-coded visual of how traffic speeds on these travel periods compare to the average speed at the same time and day of week. The information is provided for roughly 2,900 highway miles as part of the data supplying the statewide speed data.In addition to planning for traffic impacts, Richards noted vehicle preparation is key to safe travel.&#8220;Snowflakes may not be falling right now, but now is the time to make sure drivers and their vehicles are ready for emergencies on our roadways,&#8221; Richards said in a news release. &#8220;Taking these steps will help us all start the winter season on the right foot.&#8221;<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Travis Kellartkellar@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><factboxMeta>Travel safety tipsThe Pennsylvania Department of Transportation provides the following tips for motorists as they prepare for holiday travel:&#8226; Drivers should have their vehicle serviced by a mechanic they trust. A properly-trained mechanic can check the cooling system, battery, hoses, drive belts, tires and wiper blades to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly. Drivers are also urged to frequently check all fluid levels, lights and wiper blades.&#8226; Tires should also be checked often for the correct level of air pressure and adequate tire-tread depth to perform on ice and snow. A quick way to check tread depth is to insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln&#8217;s head upside down. If you can see the entire head, the tires are worn and traction will not be as good.&#8226; An emergency kit should include items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. However, motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs they or their families may have. Consider adding such items as baby supplies, extra medication, pet supplies or children&#8217;s games.For up-to-date local traffic information, including traffic cams, visit the Times Leader&#8217;s traffic page at www.timesleader.com/traffic.</factboxMeta></div>

Weather not expected to provide any problems for Turkey Day commuters