[Trending News] Winter Weather Advisory issued as storm brings freezing rain to Philadelphia region

Philadelphia (WPVI) – The roadways are icy and slick for some parts of the area Thursday morning as a major winter storm moves through the Philadelphia region, sweeping from the Midwest to the Northeast.

Here is a look at the track and timing of the winter storm

A Winter Weather Advisory went into effect for the Philadelphia region at 11 p.m. on Wednesday.

Drivers are advised to be careful as sleet and freezing rain continue throughout the morning commute, mostly north and west of the city.

The greatest impacts are expected northwest of I-95.

The cold weather is also impacting flights at Philadephia International Airport. As of 6 a.m. on Thursday, 115 flights were canceled, which is about 16% of departures.

Travelers are advised to check with their airline about any delays or cancellations.

Luckily, the storm isn’t expected to last long, with the rain expected to end by midday Thursday, so the afternoon will be drier with mostly cloudy skies.

However, another storm with ice and snow is possible for the Midwest and the Northeast this weekend.

The Action Cam spotted DelDOT crews putting brine down on the roads in Wilmington, Delaware.

PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews were also actively pre-treat roadways. However, officials say salt does not resolve all risks, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway.

With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form.

“We have over 400 trucks that we’ll have out for this event. We will have them out about two hours before the event just to ensure we’re there the moment the snow begins,” said Thomas Rogal, PennDOT’s senior assistant district executive.

Drivers beware amid icy conditions during Thursday morning commute

It was a similar scene in New Jersey as workers inspected their equipment and pre-treat the streets.

In Camden County, the commissioner says ten tons of salt are in the reserves, and more than 100 vehicles will be in motion.

“There might be some black ice situations (Thursday) morning during rush hour. But give our drivers three to four car lengths so they can do what they have to do,” said Commissioner Al Dyer.

PECO spokesperson Candice Womer says they don’t have concerns because they take proactive steps year-round to prepare their systems. “That includes inspecting all of our power lines, upgrading our equipment, trimming trees and installing new equipment and anything we see might enhance service to our customers, especially during service.”

Last winter in Pennsylvania, state officials say preliminary data shows that there were 151 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 55 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.

Vehicle Restrictions

Restrictions are planned for certain vehicles during the storm along some Pennsylvania roadways.

Tier 2: In effect at 7 p.m. on Wednesday:
PA Turnpike I-70/76 from the New Stanton exit to the Carlisle exit

Tier 4: In effect at 7 p.m. on Wednesday:
I-70 from PA Turnpike I-76 to the Maryland border
I-79 from PA Turnpike I-76 to the end of I-79 North
I-81 from the Maryland border to I-80
I-83, entire length
I-99, entire length
I-283, entire length
I-376 from Toll 376 to I-80
Route 22 from Route 119 to I-99
Route 22/322 from I-81 to I-99

Tier 4 expanded: In effect at 10 p.m. on Wednesday:
I-80 from mile marker 4 to I-81
I-180, entire length

Tier 2 expanded: In effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday:
PA Turnpike Northeast Extension I-476 from the Lehigh Valley exit to the Clarks Summit exit

Tier 4 expanded: In effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday:
I-78, entire length
I-80 from I-81 to the New Jersey border
I-81 from I-80 to the New York border
I-84, full length
I-380, full length
Route 33, full length

Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions are safe. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways.

For a breakdown of what each vehicle restriction tier means, visit pa.gov.