SEPTA suspending Regional Rail, bus service Sunday due to winter storm, most flights canceled at PHL Airport
A major winter storm has arrived in the Delaware Valley, and is poised to drop nearly a foot of snow across the Philadelphia region Sunday into Monday.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the morning, when the heaviest snow will start to fall.
The entire area is under a Winter Storm Warning. Areas along I-95, including Philly, Wilmington, Trenton, South Jersey, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties could get between 8-12 inches of snow; interior South Jersey, Lehigh Valley and Berks counties could get 12-14 inches.
Here's a look at the latest storm impacts around the region.
SEPTA shutting down Regional Rail, bus service at 2 p.m. Sunday
SEPTA is shutting down Regional Rail and all bus service at 2 p.m. Sunday due to the inclement weather.
The transit agency said it will not resume service until "it is safe to do so."
During a press conference with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city officials, SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said riders should expect impacts to SEPTA service to continue Monday.
"Please expect that a minimum there are going to be significant delays and trip cancellations," Sauer said.
Hundreds of flights canceled at Philadelphia International Airport
More than 600 flights have been canceled at Philadelphia International Airport Sunday.
Because of the storm, TSA has closed several security checkpoints at the airport Sunday. The following checkpoints are currently open:
- A-East
- D/E
- F
The A-West, B and C checkpoints are closed.
Travelers who still have planned flights should check with their airlines directly for the latest updates.
PennDOT, NJDOT reduce speed limits
PennDOT has limited the speed limit to 45 mph on the following highways:
- Interstates 76, 95, 295, 476, 676
- U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, 422
- State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309
A number of vehicle restrictions are also in effect on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and extensions.
In New Jersey, NJDOT has reduced the speed limit to 35 mph on:
- All Interstate highways in New Jersey
- All U.S. and State highways in New Jersey
- The New Jersey Turnpike
- The Garden State Parkway
- The Atlantic City Expressway
NJ Transit service has also been suspended during the winter storm.
Where to find warming centers around Philadelphia
Philadelphia has activated an Enhanced Code Blue due to the extremely cold temperatures. The city activates an "enhanced" alert when a Code Blue lasts more than three nights in a row. Because of the enhanced alert, the Office of Emergency Management has opened multiple warming centers throughout the city.
The centers are free and open to the public. People who need help or see someone in need of help during this cold weather event can also call 215-232-1984.
Bucks County issues a Code Blue whenever temperatures drop below 20 degrees, but could also issue the alert based on other cold-weather factors.
Information about shelter openings can be found on the Housing Link website.
Residents who need temporary shelter, food and clothing during the winter can call 211 or text their zip code to 898-211 for immediate assistance.
During a Code Blue, residents in need of shelter are encouraged to visit one of Delaware County's weather advisory relief centers.
During a Code Blue, the county has additional resources for people experiencing homelessness, including access to temporary warming shelters, food and clothing.Anyone who needs help with temporary shelter during the cold can call the Your Way Home Call Center at 610-278-3522.
New Jersey
Active Code Blue declarations are listed by county on New Jersey 211's website.
The site also includes a list of available warming centers in each county.
Delaware
In Delaware, Code Purple Shelters can provide emergency housing during severe winter weather. Shelters for the state's counties can be contact at the following numbers:
- New Castle County – 302-652-8033
- Kent County – 1-800-733-6816
- Sussex County – 302-519-0024
- Or call 2-1-1
