Dangerous Driving Conditions Saturday Morning Across Philly Area

Forecasters have increased predictions for snow accumulations during Saturday's storm, shifting from a likelihood of a light dusting to now as much as three inches. Much of the Philadelphia region is now under a Winter Weather Advisory through 1 p.m.

By 8:30 a.m., enough snow had fallen to cause travel hazards and traffic crashes on multiple roads. A weather warning has been issued for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, where multiple accidents have been reported Saturday morning. Speed restrictions have also been announced for many highly-traveled roadways.

At 9 a.m., Montgomery authorities announced the Schuylkill Expressway has been closed both directions in Lower Merion due to multi-car pileup. "Stay off the roads if you can. Conditions are deteriorating," officials with the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety said.

The snow may be accompanied by wind gusts that can cause blowing snow to drift and cause low visibilities in some of these areas, Pennsylvania Turnpike authorities warned.

Some of the incidents already reported Saturday morning include multiple crashes on the westbound lanes of the turnpike between Exit 337 and Exit 332. As of 8:15 a.m., one of those has caused all lanes to close.

Another multi-vehicle crash on the westbound lanes of the turnpike was reported between Exit 331A and Exit 330.

Authorities in Montgomery County have responded to at least 13 crashes so far Saturday, according to dispatch reports.

According to 511NJ, the following area speed restrictions have been announced:

Walt Whitman Bridge, Ben Franklin Bridge, Commodore Barry Bridge: Speed limit is lowered to 25 mph in both directions on all three bridges.

Garden State Parkway: Speed limit is lowered to 45 mph in both directions from Southern Terminus/CR 109 in Cape May to Exit 63A-NJ 72 West in Stafford Township.

New Jersey Turnpike: The speed limit is lowered to 45 mph in both directions from Delaware Memorial Bridge in Pennsville Township to north of Interchange 4 - NJ 73 in Mount Laurel.

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