Heavy snow at Jersey Shore, lighter inland; gusting winds predicted

Snow blanketed the Philadelphia region Saturday, making roads treacherous in some areas while piling up at the Jersey Shore and at the Delaware beaches.

The National Weather Service said snowfall totals for Philadelphia were 2 to 4 inches, with as much as 6 to 9 inches at the Jersey Shore and slightly less in inland New Jersey and Delaware.

Travel was "extremely hazardous" during the day with near-whiteout conditions at times, especially along the Jersey coast.

"Blowing snow may result in snow drifts over two feet," forecasters said, with winds of 20-25 m.p.h., gusting near 35 m.p.h. along the coast.

The winter white began falling in Philadelphia about 8:30 a.m., accumulating on roads and sidewalks in the region. Camden County authorities asked residents to stay off the roads as crews worked to clear streets.

Philadelphia International Airport announced in the late morning that a ground stop was in effect for incoming flights because of the snow, meaning incoming flights had been put on hold. It was lifted later in the day.

The airport's deicing crews worked to clear planes for departures, but officials said there could be delays or cancellations.

The wind-whipped snow made driving conditions hazardous, although city streets, while icy, were passable. Residents busied themselves with cleanup even as the snow continued to fall.

"This is nothing," said Elias Pinto, a maintenance worker at the St. James apartment building at Eighth and Walnut Streets, as he briskly shoveled snow from a sidewalk.

The snow tapered off around 3 p.m., with light snow falling intermittently after that.

A winter storm warning was in effect for the Philadelphia region through 4 p.m.

Philadelphia was on the northern edge of a large storm mostly tracking offshore in this region. It nonetheless dumped snow as far south as Atlanta and pounded much of the East Coast during the day with North Carolina and Virginia particularly hard-hit.

In this region, the heaviest snow fell at the Jersey and Delaware coastlines, from Atlantic City to Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Other areas of South Jersey, such as Camden and Gloucester Counties, received as much as 7 inches of snow, said National Weather Service meteorologist Mitchell Gaines. Some of the heaviest snow was predicted for Cape May, but Gaines said the more severe weather moved north and west of the area. Car traffic was light at the Shore as residents stayed home, and many businesses were simply closed for the day.

Blowing and drifting snow also was a problem for drivers, especially along the coast, Gaines said. In Philadelphia, wind gusts reached 15 m.p.h.

On Sunday, wind gusts for the region are expected to be more severe - up to 35 m.p.h., Gaines said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation tweeted out an advisory in advance of the storm advising drivers to stay back from snow plows.

"Snow's comin', winter's here, so be careful out there," said Lycoming County PennDot truck operator Bill Glick in a short video. "You guys don't realize how big we are, stay back and give us room to work. If you do pass us, be careful."

Saturday's storm will be followed by bitter-cold temperatures in the 20s, plummeting into the high teens early Sunday.

On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to be in the 40s and are to rise into the 50s on Wednesday, Gaines said. Whatever snow is left in the city should be gone by the middle of the week, he said.

Saturday's storm followed light snow throughout the Philadelphia region late Thursday night into early Friday morning, with about 1.9 inches at Philadelphia International Airport.

In anticipation of Thursday's snow, the Philadelphia Police Department reminded residents not to save parking spots with items such as orange traffic cones. The reminder is certainly relevant for the weekend, too.

shawj@phillynews.com

@julieshawphilly