Accidents, Speed Restrictions As Snow Hits Region

By Kara Seymour

The grand finale of a three-part storm is here: snow began falling in Pennsylvania Thursday as major roadways already had accidents and speed restrictions.

As of 7:30 a.m., rain had turned to snow in most of the region. Snow accumulation predictions range from a total of 4 to 8 inches throughout the Philadelphia region, with the heaviest amounts along the I-95 corridor, according to forecasters with NBC10.

Thirty weather restrictions were in effect Thursday as the greater Philadelphia area dealt with accidents. Click here to find out more.

Snow will be heavy at times and make travel “very hazardous or impossible,” the National Weather Service said.

PennDOT temporarily reduced speed limits on several expressways in the Philadelphia region. PennDOT said it urges motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but if you must travel, there will be speed restrictions of 45 mph on the following roads:

• Interstates 76, 95, 476, 676
• U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, 422
• State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309.

Snow will continue throughout the morning and into the afternoon Thursday, forecasters predict.

“Widespread and substantial impacts on travel are expected for late tonight and Thursday,” the Winter Storm Warning said, adding accumulation will be “significant” and travel will be “very hazardous or impossible.”

The National Weather Service has issued a “Winter Storm Warning” that will take effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 p.m. Thursday.

That warning says:

• The bulk of the snow will hit the central and southern portions of the state, according to News12.
• The amount of snow accumulation Wednesday night and Thursday will depend on how quickly the rain changes to snow and if sleet lasts longer during the transition.
• Timing: Possibly heavy snow at times on Wednesday night and continuing Thursday
• Snow, sleet and freezing rain will continue to cause travel problems in most parts of New Jersey on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
• In parts of the Northeast, “prolonged icing could lead to downed trees and power outages,’’ according to Accuweather.