The state Department of Transportation is urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow speed limit restrictions on major highways due to severe weather conditions brought on by winter storm Elliott.

Fallen trees and wires, traffic accidents and power outages have been reported throughout the county and surrounding area Friday morning while the area is under a wind chill warning until noon and a weather advisory until 1 p.m.

As of 9 a.m., West Penn Power reported that 3,345 customers in the county have no electric service.

PennDOT has reduced the speed limit on Interstate 79, I-376 and I-80 to 45 miles an hour and is restricting commercial vehicles to use of the right lane.

Specific restrictions in the area include the entire length of I-79 from Erie County to the West Virginia state line; I-80 from the Ohio state line to Exit 97 (Route 219, DuBois/Brockway); and the entire length of I-376 from Mercer County to Allegheny County.

The speed limit on Route 422 in Lawrence County and Route 28 in Allegheny County are also restricted to 45 miles an hour.

Although PennDOT crews are treating roadways, the department's primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

Driving restrictions are posted on variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smart phone apps.