Winter storm warning PA: Tracking Philadelphia snow forecast as Pennsylvania and New Jersey brace for mix weather

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Philadelphia region has begun seeing some snowfall accumulation Tuesday as another winter storm moves through a large part of the region.

Winter weather warnings and advisories are in effect across the region as the system moves through the northeast Tuesday.

Rain that moved into the area overnight Monday has now turning into snow, making for wet, slick roadways. PennDOT crews are out trying to keep the roadways clear.

Several Delaware Valley communities have issued a snow emergency. When a snow emergency or alert is issued, all vehicles parked on those streets where signage indicates no parking during these times are required, by law, to be moved elsewhere to allow snow plowing of the road surface.

Meteorologist Chris Sowers says he expects the snow to begin lightening up around 10 a.m.

Latest forecast

Everyone saw rain at first, but a blast of cold air turned the rain into snow.

The heaviest wet snow falls from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with rates up to 1″ per hour. This will overcome the warm ground and allow snow to stick making for slushy/slick driving conditions for I-95 and areas northwest.

The snow ends around midday and even some peaks of sun for the mid to late afternoon Tuesday. With temps up in the 40s, roads will quickly improve for the afternoon hours and the evening rush should feature mainly wet roads.

READ MORE: AccuWeather: Expect winter storm to impact Tuesday morning commute

Travel restrictions

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has temporarily reduced speed limits on several roadways in the east central region due to the severity of the storm.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:

• Interstate 78 in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties;

• Interstate 80 in Carbon and Monroe counties;

• Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County;

• Interstate 176 in Berks County;

• Interstate 380 in Monroe County;

• U.S. 22 in Lehigh and Northampton counties;

• Route 33 in Northampton and Monroe counties.

On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.

In addition to the speed restrictions, the following vehicle restrictions are in effect:

Tier 2:

• I-78 in Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties;

• U.S. 22 Lehigh and Northampton counties;

• Route 33 in Monroe and Northampton counties.

Under Tier 2 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

• Tractors without trailers.

• Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.

• Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.

• Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).

• Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.

• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.

• Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.

• School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches, regardless of the availability of trains or ATDs.

Tire chains or ATDs do not need to be installed under Tier 2 restrictions but need to be readily available for use should the vehicle become stuck and not be able to move because of poor traction.

WATCH: How to drive safely in snow

Tier 4 (no commercial vehicles):

• I-80 in Carbon and Monroe counties;

• I-81 in Schuylkill County;

On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 12 a.m. Tuesday. The restrictions do not apply to New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway.

Airport delays and cancellations

As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, there have been at least 30 flight cancellations and 52 flight delays out of Philadelphia International Airport, according to FlightAware. There are also more than 1,300 cancellations across the country.

The FAA says aircraft departing from PHL are being sprayed with deicing fluid to remove snow and ice.

Check with your airline before heading to the airport.

School closings and delays

Dozens of schools in the region have announced closures or delays due to the storm.

The School District of Philadelphia will operate on a two-hour delay. All athletic events and after school activities will proceed as scheduled.

Archdiocesan high schools and parochial elementary school buildings in the city will be closed due to the storm. The Archdiocese says schools in the city will utilize a Flexible Instruction Day. Students and parents should refer to their local school website and look for updates from their local school administration for further details.

A full list of school closings and delays for Tuesday can be found at: 6abc.com/community/schoolclosings/

Stay ready

As always, keep the 6abc mobile app handy to receive real-time updates on traffic and the AccuWeather forecast.

AAA is reminding drivers to be aware of potholes. Heavy rain and other precipitation could camouflage the craters in the asphalt.

If you have to drive in the snow, AAA shared the following tips:

• Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

• Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.

• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.