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SEPTA and PATCO schedule updates, driving conditions and traffic in snowy Philadelphia

The latest on what's happening at SEPTA, PATCO, NJ Transit and on the roads as a "bomb cyclone" drops snow on the Philadelphia region.

A motorists brushes the snow off his windshield before attempting to drive in the snow on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018.
A motorists brushes the snow off his windshield before attempting to drive in the snow on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018.Read moreMICHAEL BRYANT/ Staff Photographer

The snow is easing in Philadelphia as the evening commute is about to begin. Many commuters apparently heeded advice to stay home. Others were sent home early, likely reducing the number of passengers during rush hour.

Here's the latest of what you need to know

SEPTA

SEPTA officials advised riders to expect up to an hour delay on Regional Rail throughout the day, though they were still evaluating how much the evening commute will be hindered by the weather.

Three SEPTA bus routes, the 35, 92, and 120, were cancelled Thursday because they were difficult to navigate in the snow. Other routes are being detoured as needs arise.

Weather-related detours are in effect on bus routes 14, 18, 19, 27, 44, 52, 58, 62, 88, 90, 94, 95, 97, 99, 103, 107, 110, 111, 112, 115, 118, 119, 139, G, H, XH and L.

During the evening commute, El trains will stop at all stations, but throughout the system, riders should be prepared for sluggish travel. Numerous delays and cancellations were reported on Regional Rail lines.

On Friday, the transit agency's Regional Rail lines will operate on a special schedule.

Check www.septa.org for updates or go to www.septa.org/alert/twitter.html to customize a Twitter alert.

NJ TRANSIT

No major problems reported. Buses, light rail and rail lines are cross honoring tickets and passes.

PATCO

No major problems reported. PATCO is running on a special snow schedule with 15 minute headways, officials said.

Amtrak

The passenger railroad is operating on a modified schedule between New York and Boston. Keystone Service to Harrisburg will operate as usual.

Highways

Road conditions are hazardous and motorists should drive slowly.

Southbound lanes of the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike are closed between Exit 44 in Quakertown and Exit 31 in Landsale because of an overturned tractor trailer.

Speed restrictions are in effect on the interstates, the New Jersey and Pennsylvania turnpikes, and the Delaware River bridges.

In Philadelphia, a snow emergency is in effect, barring cars from parking on designated snow emergency routes. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering $5 24-hour parking at six Center City garages until the city's snow emergency ends. On residential blocks, drivers do not have to pay at meters or kiosks and may disregard time limits.

Road conditions in Delaware County are "very bad," said John McBlain, chairman of Delaware County Council. "We have traffic accidents and stalled vehicles on roadways all over the place," added Timothy Boyce, the county's director for emergency services. "The Blue Route has been a mess all day." Boyce said he would advise drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

>> READ MORE: Tips for avoiding car trouble when it's cold and snowing

New Jersey remains under an emergency order by Gov. Christie with speed restrictions on highways stretching from Cape May to the Delaware and New York borders. Route 295 in Salem County opened in both directions after a closure because of an overnight accident. The state has 2,011 trucks plowing and spreading salt. NJ Department of Transportation spokesman Steve Schapiro urged residents to avoid driving if possible. For those who must use the highways, there is a maximum speed of 45 mph for the full length of the New Jersey Turnpike. On the Garden State Parkway, there is a 35 mph limit from Cape May to the Driscoll Bridge in Middlesex County. From the Driscoll Bridge to the New York border, the speed limit is set at 45 mph.

In Camden County, Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the public works department, urged motorists to stay off the roadways to avoid conditions she described as dangerous.

Dial 511 for the latest road conditions in the state. Motorists also can check online for the latest conditions for New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Airport

More than 265 flights into, or out of, Philadelphia International Airport have been canceled. Check your airline or phl.org for flight information.