Strong Winds Toppling Trees, Complicating Evening Commute
We, too, are very confused by the quasi-blizzard that's turning Philadelphia into a giant dirt-stained snow globe this Friday.
L: A tree atop a SEPTA bus on I-76 (Photo via Kristina Spier) | R: A downed tree in Rittenhouse Park (Photo by Joe Trinacria)
Maybe it’s just what happens in March, or maybe it’s one of the most bizarre snow/windstorms ever to hit Philly. Either way, it’s ugly out there right now.
SEPTA is experiencing delays. Amtrak has halted all service along the Northeast Corridor. The Philadelphia International Airport is reporting flight cancellations. And a tree has fallen on a SEPTA bus on I-76 near Belmont Ave.
Oh, and a tree has also fallen in Rittenhouse Park:
Photo by Joe Trinacria
Needless to say, you should probably be thinking about your afternoon commute. Here are the latest updates on:
SEPTA
If you’re taking SEPTA Regional Rail, consider scoping out alternative travel. SEPTA has a handy guide for doing so on its website. For the most up-to-date information on your route, check System Status online.
Due to the inclement weather that we are experiencing there are possible delays & cancellations. Consider alternate routes or plan ahead for your PM commute https://t.co/tpWZWOHPJ1 pic.twitter.com/bv0tx5iHG7
— SEPTA_SOCIAL (@SEPTA_SOCIAL) March 2, 2018
Amtrak
The same goes if you’re planning to take Amtrak to or from Boston, Washington D.C. or New York on Friday evening. Service along the Northeast Corridor has been halted due to flooding, high winds and downed trees. It’s not clear when trains will resume; check Amtrak’s Twitter for updates.
ALERT: For safety, all services along the NEC are temporarily suspended due to multiple weather related issues. Trains enroute will continue to WAS/NYP/BOS (whichever is first) and hold. We apologize for this inconvenience and will be providing updates as soon as possible.
— Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNECAlerts) March 2, 2018
Roads
You might want to avoid I-76 on Friday, especially near the Belmont Ave/Green Lane exit. A downed tree (atop a SEPTA bus) is blocking lanes and causing delays in the area. Both westbound lanes and one eastbound lane are closed.
NEW PHOTO: Tree falls on top of SEPTA bus that was traveling on the Schuylkill Expressway. DETAILS: https://t.co/QpVzf3xdJY pic.twitter.com/DxcIVXjl7n
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) March 2, 2018
There were no injuries in the incident.
Flights
Flights delays and cancellations are being reported at the Philadelphia International Airport. Be sure to check airport conditions and your flight status before you go anywhere on Friday.
Friday, March 2, 7:15am: rain falling at PHL, cancellations and delays reported. High wind warning 11am thru early Saturday AM for Philadelphia. Expect impacts to travel in Northeast U.S. Check flight status with your airline. Airport conditions ➡️https://t.co/sXce3Zk9Oc
— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) March 2, 2018
Schools
6ABC has a list of nearby school closings.
