Snow slows rush-hour traffic

A fast-moving snowstorm blew through the Philadelphia region late Friday afternoon, leaving minor accumulations and major rush-hour headaches.

Moderate to heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures made navigating highways and side streets tricky and lengthened commutes considerably.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported speed-limit reductions across the state. By 7 p.m., SEPTA's Regional Rail lines were experiencing delays of up to 30 minutes because of slippery tracks, the transit agency said. The Market-Frankford Line scrapped express service earlier in the day.

The snow was a peak-commute special, with the steadiest and heaviest snow falling across the region between 4 and 6 p.m. As the weak storm pulled away and redeveloped off the coast, snowfall all but stopped in the immediate Philadelphia area by 7 p.m.

The 1.5 inches reported officially from the Philadelphia measuring station (actually in National Park, Gloucester County) made this the biggest snow of the season, topping the 1.4 inches recorded Monday.

The seasonal total stands at 4 inches, the same as the entire 2011-12 winter total.

The heftiest amounts were reported in Montgomery County, with 3.2 inches in King of Prussia and 3 inches in Wynnewood.