Snow Emergencies, Travel Delays

As the Philadelphia region is in the midst of snow emergency, a major storm has caused slow driving conditions, left hundreds of flights canceled and caused all sorts of transit delays and cancellations.

The nor'easter, which moved in late Wednesday night is expected to batter the area for a full 24 hours -- not moving out until late Thursday night -- dropping a foot of snow or more on some areas.

Snow Totals in Your Neighborhood

On Thursday morning, speed limits were restricted to 45 mph on most area highways and 25 mph on area bridges.

SEPTA's Regional Rail trains were operating with delays up to 20 minutes. SEPTA also suspended service on bus routes 35, 120, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 150, 204 and 205 until further notice and detoured dozens of other routes to try and prevent buses from getting stuck. One bus actually did get stuck early Thursday.

The changing conditions from snow to possibly ice and rain could cause more problems.

"We are really going to have to watch that changeover that happens at different times at different stations," said SEPTA spokesman Jeff Knueppel.

Over in the garden State, New Jersey Transit warned passengers to allow extra time as trains operated with delays up to 15 minutes.

At Philadelphia International Airport more than half of the day's flights were already canceled early Thursday.

"About 667 canceled flights already today -- that's about half of our total operations," said airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica.

Lupica warned to check the airport's website before heading out to airport to pick anyone up.

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The travel woes came as state of emergencies were in effect in all three states. In Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter declared a state of emergency in Philadelphia that took effect at 8 p.m. tonight. He also canceled Thursday and Friday trash collection and said the city plans to collect trash as regular on Monday despite the President's Day holiday. All offices will be closed on Thursday and only essential personnel will be asked to come in.

Within six hours of the end of the storm, residents must clear a path of at least 36 inches on their sidewalk, including curb cuts. To report a sidewalk that has not been cleared, call the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at 215-686-5560.

Nutter also warned residents not to throw snow back onto the streets -- threatening them with possible $75 fines.

"It's dangerous and disrespectful to the workers who will be out there for a long period of time," Nutter said.

Anyone who is caught throwing snow back onto the streets will face a $75 fine, according to Nutter.

During the snow emergency, all cars must not be parked on the snow emergency routes. View the full list of routes here.

CLICK HERE for safety tips on how to handle the extreme cold.

Ahead of the storm, Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency for the entire state of New Jersey. All state offices will be closed on Thursday for all non-essential employees.

In Delaware, Gov. Jack Markell declared a limited state of emergency while urging people to stay off the roads.

In Pennsylvania, the state's Emergency Operations Center was opened ahead of the storm in case concerns like power problems come up again.

“I urge those in the storm’s path to make sure they are prepared if they lose power,” said Gov. Tom Corbett. “We have been working closely with the PUC and utility companies to ensure they are ready and have the resources that they need.”

The following towns also declared snow emergencies. Click on each town for more information.

Montgomery County

Abington Township - Until 10 a.m. Friday

Bryn Athyn Borough - Until10 a.m. Friday

Cheltenham Township - Until further notice

Conshohocken - Until Thursday

East Norriton Township - Until noon Friday

Franconia Township - Until Saturday

Horsham Township - Until further notice

Lower Frederick Township - Until 9 a.m. Friday

Montgomery Township - Until further notice

North Wales Borough - Until 8 p.m. Friday