Spring Snowstorm Disables Western Pa.

Schools are out, there are power outages and Governor Corbett has declared a disaster emergency

Gov. Tom Corbett is declaring a disaster emergency because of heavy snow in western Pennsylvania that's closed schools and left people without electricity.

Corbett announced the declaration Monday and activated the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency's state operations center.

The governor is also giving the OK for the National Guard to call soldiers to duty if needed to help with the response.

His two-page declaration says the storm has the potential to close roads, damage property and otherwise affect Pennsylvania residents.

A Penelec spokesman says about 25,000 customers in 31 counties were without power by late morning on Monday, mostly in the northern and western parts of Pennsylvania.

Johnstown area is hard-hit, and the speed limit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike's been lowered to 45 mph in affected areas.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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