Snowy Blast Closes PA Schools, Disrupts Commute: Latest Forecast

PENNSYLVANIA - A winter storm that dropped several inches of snow on parts of the state has closed scores of schools and prompted speed advisories across multiple thoroughfares in Pennsylvania Tuesday morning.

The storm already dropped up to nearly three inches of wintery mix near the greater Philadelphia region and over four inches near Delaware; another 1 to 3 inches of snow may pile up after 7 a.m. in counties above I-80 Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow is expected to taper off Tuesday morning into the afternoon, forecasters said, with low temperatures plummeting into the teens Tuesday night.

“Snow will transition to an icy mix from south to north early this morning before tapering off,” the National Weather Service Mount Holly station wrote. “Snow will be more persistent NW. Temps moderate near the coast, but stay near or sub-freezing elsewhere. Very cold tonight!”

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The sudden drop may prove treacherous, forecasters say, with melting snow and wintery slush likely freezing overnight.

"Unlike the flurries and snow squalls that drifted across the area on Sunday and mainly melted on roads, lower temperatures in place for the storm in the Northeast will lead to slippery and snow-covered roads and sidewalks in many cases," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz said.

Snow totals

Municipalities around Pennsylvania that saw some of the greatest snow totals into Tuesday were Bethel Township (4 inches of snow), Norristown (3.9 inches), Gardendale (3.7 inches), Chadds Ford (3.5 inches), Boothwyn (3.4 inches) and Philadelphia (3.3 inches). You can check your town’s snowfall total here.

A winter weather advisory is in place across Eastern Pennsylvania through 1 p.m. Tuesday.

“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute,” the National Weather Service wrote in its winter weather advisory. Related: See Snowfall Totals, As Frigid Wind Temps In Store For Lower Bucks

“Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas,” the agency wrote. “Turn around...don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Road closures & travel

Fifty weather-related speed advisories are in place, including those on I-80, I-81, I-76, U.S. 1, according to 511PA.com. The foot walk on the Ben Franklin Bridge is closed.

Several accidents have been reported, including a multi-vehicle crash on I-80 near the Ohio State Line and a crash on I-80 near Philipsburg.

“Expect roads, especially untreated and secondary roads, to be slick early this morning,” the National Weather Service Mount Holly station wrote Tuesday. “Where precipitation ends, travel conditions should gradually improve."

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.

Here’s the latest forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Rain likely before 3 p.m., then a chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 11. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 29. Wind chill values as low as zero. West wind around 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. West wind around 10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. West wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 30%.