Significant snowfall is hitting the Philadelphia region. Here's what you need to know

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A potent winter storm is expected to wallop the Philadelphia region, starting early Monday morning and lasting, on and off, into the evening rush hour commute.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for portions of southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and its suburbs, South Jersey, and the entire state of Delaware, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

Snowfall rates could exceed an inch per hour. The storm could bring 3 to 5 inches of snow to Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs; 1 to 3 inches to Lehigh Valley; and 5 to 8 in Delaware and South Jersey, according to AccuWeather. As of Saturday evening, AccuWeather predicted the storm will last through 5 p.m. Monday.

Philadelphia-area schools, including the School District of Philadelphia and Archdiocesan schools, are closed or are offering flex instruction on Monday. Find a full listing of known school closures here.

Philadelphia city offices and courthouses will be closed all day Monday because of the forecast.

PennDOT and DelDOT said road prep crews got an early start on Sunday. “That'll help a little bit with some of the initial snowfall, freezing and bonding to the pavement,” said PennDOT Deputy Communications Director Brad Rudolph, “and then it'll be all hands on deck.”

The Philadelphia Streets Department began pre-treating major streets on Saturday and said it will ensure all neighborhoods are addressed. Mayor Cherelle Parker and others advised drivers to be cautious and to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall so road crews have more room to work.

New Jersey has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, which took effect at 10 p.m. Sunday. Affected counties include Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem.

Atlantic City Deputy Police Chief Stacy Herrerias said public safety is their primary concern — “and our officers are available to transport those in need to the rescue mission and to warming shelters."

If you do have to hit the road, officials say take your time and check PennDOT's free app, 511PA or website for real-time updates.

PennDOT also temporarily reduced the speed limit to 45 mph on several busy roadways and highways, including I-95, I-476, and U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, and 422.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority said its offices are closed. Metered and timed parking will not be enforced on Monday.

Jana Tidwell, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson, said drivers should use their time before Monday morning to pack a winter emergency travel kit — with more than just jumper cables and a first aid kit.

She listed other essentials everyone should have on hand:

"You also want to add de-icer spray, de-icer washer fluid, because the salt and brine and ice kick up and form on the windshield. You want to make sure that your visibility is as optimum as possible. Kitty litter or rock salt in case you need to throw it underneath the tires for additional traction. A collapsible snow shovel, in case you need to remove snow."

❄ Rock salt
❄ Road traction material, e.g., bag of sand or cat litter
❄ Collapsible snow shovel to dig yourself out
❄ Snow brush and ice scraper
❄ Deicer for car locks
❄ Windshield washer fluid
❄ Blankets, sweatshirts, gloves
❄ Flashlights — with extra batteries
❄ Nonperishable snacks
❄ Drinking water

Tidwell says: Don't forget the snow brush and ice scraper, a lot of blankets, extra clothes, and snacks — in case you're stuck for a while.

She also says give yourself some extra time to reach your destination if you need to be on the road on Monday.

“The No. 1 thing is to give yourself plenty of extra time, because you'll need to slow it down. Speed is going to be key in snowy road conditions. Speed is the No. 1 cause of crashes on the roads on a dry, sunny day, but when you have snowy and perhaps icy conditions, speed is definitely an impediment. So, you want to slow it down, increase your following distances."