PA Storm Impacts: Roadways Deteriorating As Heavy Snow Moves In

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Another winter storm has descended upon the Philadelphia region, and is expected to bring more than a half-foot of snow. It's the latest in a series of relentless winter weather events that have bombarded the region for several weeks.

Here are the latest details on the storm timing and forecast, as well as impacts from the storm:

A winter storm warning is in place through Friday morning. Snow is expected throughout the morning and into the afternoon. Snow will mix with sleet in the afternoon. The snow could be heavy at times, with 4 to 8 inches expected.

The heaviest snow is expected Thursday morning and early afternoon, when snow rates up to an inch per hour are possible.

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"Rapid deterioration of road conditions is possible during this time frame should these snow rates occur," according to the latest briefing from the National Weather Service. Snow will begin to mix with sleet and freezing rain, mainly to the south of the I-276/I-195 corridors, during the afternoon.

Snowfall amounts along and south/east of I-95 will depend on how much mixing occurs. "There are some indications that a longer period of sleet may occur within a zone across this area," the National Weather Service briefing said.

Snow and sleet will continue overnight, with precipitation becoming all snow after 3 a.m Overnight snow and sleet accumulation of around an inch is possible.

Then, on Friday snow is likely before 2 p.m. Snow accumulation on Friday is expected to be under an inch. The storm will clear by Saturday, when sunny skies and high temperatures in the low 30s are predicted.

Here's a look at the impacts so far from Thursday's storm. We'll continue to update as more information becomes available:

• Some area towns have reported more than 10 inches of snow. In Montgomery County, 10 inches or fell in Abington and Norristown. King of Prussia got 9 inches. In Bucks County, towns reported more than 8 inches.
• Speeds have been reduced on several Philadelphia-area highways due to Thursday's winter storm. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has implemented a 45-mph speed restriction on interstates and expressways "due to the intensity of the winter storm." More info is here.
• As of about 1 p.m. Thursday, nearly 300 total flights are delayed or canceled due to winter weather hitting the Philadelphia region. More info is here.
• Snow emergencies have been declared in numerous municipalities across the region. This means that vehicles must be removed from designated emergency routes so that plows can clear them, and emergency vehicles can have access if need be.
• As of shortly after 8 a.m., Montgomery County dispatchers are reporting 19 traffic incidents and eight have been reported in Chester County.
• Delaware County Emergency Services said accidents are being reported all across the county as the precipitation continues.
• Police in Doylestown Township, Bucks County, reported deteriorating roadways and asked residents to avoid travel.
• Regular SEPTA service schedules are in effect, but the Cynwyd and Chestnut Hill West Lines are suspended. You can see current updates from SEPTA here.
• Montgomery County's vaccination clinic at Norristown Area High School will be closed Thursday and Friday. The Montgomery County Community College site is also closed Thursday. Those who have had appointments impacted have been notified via email, the county said.
• All six of Montgomery County's COVID-19 testing sites will be closed on both Thursday and Friday, as well.
• As of Thursday afternoon, PECO is reporting very few outages. Just 105 customers are without power as of about 1 p.m. To report an outage, call 1-800-841-4141 or go to peco.com/outages.
• All Bucks County court hearings have been postponed and will be rescheduled, except for drug court hearings, which will be held virtually. As of Thursday morning, county offices were scheduled to remain open.
• Many school districts have planned fully remote instruction on Thursday due to the weather, while others are opting for a traditional snow day.