Rush Hour Tackles Snow, Some Schools Closed

With nearly 5 inches of snow on the ground, both public and parochial schools closed schools Tuesday. However, road conditions vary, with major roads running well.

Though roads are fair and snow has ceased, the 4.5 inches of snow proved too much and both the School District of Philadelphia and Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced closings Tuesday.

Germantown Avenue is passable, but a layer of compacted slush under the snow is making roads a bit slippery. Side streets remain mostly untreated, but the snow is melting as morning traffic warms the streets.

The district announced the closing on its Twitter account Tuesday. Administrative offices will open 2 hours late.

As for other area schools, below is a detailed list:

• Chestnut Hill Academy—Two hour delay
• Springside School—Two hour delay
• Crefeld School—Closed
• Norwood-Fontbonne Academy—Closed
• Chestnut Hill College—Two hour delay. Classes at 10:15 a.m. or later will be held.

On the roads, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said most major highways are clear, though typical traffic exists on I-76 in parts. SEPTA has no reported delays.

The National Weather Service reported 4.5 inches by 1 a.m. at the Philadelphia Airport. As precipitation stopped, roads have been given some time to breath, but driving conditions could be "less than ideal," the service said.

A winter storm warning in effect through 9 a.m. was cancelled early, and slush covered many roads.

Tuesday's and Tuesday's night's forecast is partly cloudy, with a high of 33 and a low of 19, according to the NWS.