Deep freeze grips Philly, challenging SEPTA rail lines

The potent winter storm that turned into a blizzard at the Jersey Shore and buried the Philadelphia region in snow is now hammering Nova Scotia, leaving bone-chilling cold in its wake. With temperatures in the teens and wind chills below zero, it it is a day to stay indoors with frostbite and hypothermia real concerns. The dangerous cold also is posing a challenge to mass transit agencies such as SEPTA, NJ Transit and Amtrak that operate trains powered by overhead wires. Most schools are closed or are opening late.

SEPTA

Regional Rail lines are operating on a Saturday schedule with some enhancements that will allow SEPTA to provide approximately 75 percent of normal weekday capacity ,"while helping reduce chances for equipment failures that could potentially strand passengers," the agency says. The schedule can be found here.

Newark Line trains are operating with 45-minute delay due to Amtrak switching problems.

SEPTA said the schedule may lead to overcrowding and skipped stations. One West Trenton train was full by the time it reached Forrest Hill and SEPTA said it would dispatch an extra train to pick up passengers at skipped stations.

The Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line, buses, trolley and and the Norristown High Speed Line will operate on a regular week day schedule. CCT Paratransit service will also run full service today.

Bus routes 7, 31, 48, 58, 88, 90, 139 and G are on weather related detours.

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

PATCO

PATCO is operating on a regular weekday schedule, but riders are advised to expect possible weather related delays.

NJ Transit

The 1:45  p.m. train from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Atlantic City has been canceled. Riders will have to take the 3:19 p.m. train.

Rail service is subject to 30-minute delays systemwide. The agency is cross honoring rail, bus and light rail tickets. 

Amtrak

Amtrak is operating on a modified schedule up and down the East Coast.

Most major highways are in fairly good condition, though ramps on and off may be sloppy. A number of accidents have already been reported, including one at the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia.

Conditions on secondary roads vary and caution is advised.

Schools

Philadelphia public and Archdiocesan schools are closed. Outside the city, many schools ate closed or are opening late. A complete list of school closings and delays is available from NBC Philadelphia.

Philadelphia city goverment offices are closed.

Philadelphia courts are closed. If you were called for jury duty you will be rescheduled at a future date.

Philadelphia Parking Authority offices are closed.

Philadelphia Housing Authority offices are closed.

Government offices and courts outside the city may be closed or opening late. Check before leaving.

Forty-eight flights in and out of Philadelphia International Airport have been canceled so far. Fifty-six flights have been  delayed. Check with your airline or www.phl.org for flight status information.

No major outages reported.

A wind chill advisory is in effect until at least noon Saturday. Temperatures will remain in the teens throughout the day with wind chills below zero. It will be mostly clear with areas of blowing snow. Winds will be from the west 16 to 23 mph with gusts to nearly 40 mph. It will not get above freezing until Monday.