Gov. Wolf declares State of Emergency for Pennsylvania ahead of snowstorm

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WPVI) -- Gov. Tom Wolf has declared a state of emergency for Pennsylvania ahead of this weekend's winter storm.

That declaration allows state and local authorities to respond as quickly as possible to the impacted areas.

"Declaring a state of emergency allows the commonwealth to deliver state resources wherever they're needed as quickly as possible," said Governor Wolf in a statement. "We have multiple state agencies working at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to monitor weather conditions across the state and we will respond to help local governments and residents in need."

The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary, to cope with the magnitude and severity of the situation, Wolf said. The time-consuming bid and contract procedures, as well as other formalities normally prescribed by law, are waived for the duration of the proclamation.

It comes hours after a blizzard watch was issued for southeastern parts of Pennsylvania from Friday night through Sunday morning.

Philadelphia could see up to 18 inches of snow, along with strong winds and blowing snow.

PennDOT has started treating major highways in anticipation of the weekend storm.