New winter storm triggers school closings across Phila. region

Pennsylvania residents are enduring yet another winter blast that has prompted storm warnings and school and other closings.

The National Weather Service says Monday’s storm is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of snow to Philadelphia as well as winds gusting up to 25 mph. Forecasters said the snow and a thin layer of ice beneath would create “very hazardous driving conditions.”

A snow emergency was declared in Philadelphia, where city offices delayed opening and courts and public and archdiocese schools are closed.

Storm warnings were canceled but a winter weather advisory remained in effect for some western Pennsylvania areas, where the storm was expected to bring 3 to 5 inches of snow. A wind chill advisory was issued for parts of northern and northwestern Pennsylvania.

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New Jersey

Snow is again slowing the morning commute across New Jersey and causing dozens of schools to close or delay opening.

Non-essential state employees have the day off Monday after Gov. Chris Christie closed state offices and declared a state of emergency.

Most of the heaviest snow is expected to fall in southern New Jersey.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 4 p.m. for Atlantic, Cape May, Salem and Cumberland counties. Forecasters say 6 to 10 inches of snow are possible there.

Forecasters say most inland areas near Philadelphia will get 3 to 4 inches.

There are speed restrictions on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway.

NJ Transit buses and trains are cross-honoring tickets.

Delaware

Delaware is bracing for up to 10 inches of snow in parts of the state and the governor has issued a warning to motorists to be cautious on the roads.

Gov. Jack Markell declared a state of emergency for Monday and closed the state government. The city of Wilmington is closed Monday and all three county governments, all public school districts and several colleges are closed too. A winter storm warning is effect until 4 p.m.

The Delaware Department of Transportation says road crews are plowing and salting primary routes in parts of the state as snow starts to accumulate. The speed limit on Interstate 495 has been reduced to 45 mph.

If this storm meets forecasters’ predictions, this will be Wilmington’s second snowiest year since the late 1800s.

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