Snow-covered trees close state forest roads

HUNTINGDON - Due to the heavy, wet snow which has fallen over the region during the past 24 hours and toppled trees still bearing their leaves, the Rothrock State Forest reports the closure of the following state forest roads in Huntingdon and Mifflin counties:

Coopers Gap Road, Conklin Road, Flat Road, Kettle Road, Tram Road, Allensville Road, and Turkey Hill Road.

It is likely other state forest roads in the district, which also includes the Tussey Mountain area of Centre County, are also closed by fallen trees, particularly at higher elevations.

Maintenance crews cannot safely remove the trees in much of the district at this point due to the weight loads created by the snow, officials said. Broad-scale road opening efforts will resume Monday morning.

Rothrock State Forest officials strongly urge the public to avoid these roads over the weekend. Fallen trees covered with snow are often dangerous to cut given the weight upon them, and also have the potential to hide fallen power lines and other hazards. Trees which are still standing with snow on them could fall at any time, either causing injury or blocking roads behind travelers.