Snow, Freezing Rain Lead to Crashes

A Freezing Rain Advisory was issued for much of the region today as various crashes on slick roads left people hurt and some dead.

PennDOT crews and New Jersey Transportation Department crews treated major highways in anticipation of freezing rain but that didn't stop there from being a slew of accidents -- especially on secondary roads -- road closures, bridge restrictions and a temporary ground stop at Philadelphia Airport.

Traffic on bridges over the Delaware River was slowed to 25 mph and the ground stop was put into place at Philly International briefly, meaning that planes would be hold at original locations as they wait for the freezing rain to stop.

The Asbury Park Press reports police are investigating a multicar pile-up on the Beaver Dam bridge between Brick Township and Point Pleasant that killed a person. There was also a deadly crash involving a New Jersey Transit bus in Pine Hills.

By 5 a.m. snow began to sporadically fall in both states.

By 8 a.m. some snow accumulated on area roads especially in Chester County and the northern suburbs.

By noon most of the winter weather moved away.

But the snow wasn't the issue instead it was freezing rain that blanketed the area by 9 a.m. The National Weather Service issued a Freezing Rain Advisory ahead of the morning rush then extended it through 1 p.m.

The National Weather Service says freezing rain would change to rain mainly along the Interstate 95 corridor, Philadelphia suburbs and eastern and central New Jersey Friday.

Motorists were urged to use caution.

The precipitation could fall as snow with up to an inch possible in some areas.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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