A winter storm that dropped the first major snowfall across the region, reduced speed limits on highways, kept state Department of Transportation snow plows busy and sidelined vehicles should taper off by this morning.
Wednesday's storm, which began along the Gulf Coast in the form of tornadoes and thunderstorms and swept across much of the eastern part of the country, dumped about 6 inches of snow across Northeast Pennsylvania, said AccuWeather meteorologist Mike Pigott.
PennDOT reduced the speed limit to 45 mph on Interstates 81 and 80 on Wednesday afternoon as traffic crept along roads, and County of Lackawanna Transit System buses began using abbreviated "snow routes."
Despite the reduction of speed on the interstates, PennDOT had minimal reports of road closures, but the agency said it was focused on clearing the slush and ice off the road throughout the night, said spokesman James May.
"We've not gotten a whole lot of closures due to accidents at this point," he said.
The District 4 Incident Command Center will remain open through this morning to evaluate road conditions.
While PennDOT crews hit the interstates, 14 plow trucks worked Scranton's streets, laying anti-skid material as early as 1:30 p.m., Department of Public Works Director Mark Dougher said.
Though workers will plow every street, their priority is the city's bridges, overpasses, hills and main roads, he said.
"Those areas are our initial focus because they are well-traveled and can quickly turn to ice," Mr. Dougher said. "I have seen a few fender benders already because of the high traffic volume and slippery conditions."
The storm hit the area as the majority of holiday travelers planned to return home, AAA spokesman Michael Green said.
"It is one of the busiest travel days of the holiday period," said Mr. Green, who didn't provide specifics for Wednesday's travel numbers, but said AAA projected 93.3 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles between Dec. 22 and Jan. 1. "The storm will certainly slow traffic, if not derail it altogether."
Hundreds of people scheduled to depart from or arrive at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Wednesday were affected by the storm.
As of 8 p.m., airlines canceled 10 flights - six departing - delayed more than 10 and diverted an arriving flight to Stewart International Airport, in New Windsor, N.Y.
"If we get 4 or 5 inches of snow, it is a major storm for us," airport Director Barry Centini. "The only thing we can do at this point is to stay ahead of schedule and keep the runways clean."
By late Wednesday, U.S. Airways announced that it canceled its 6 a.m. flight to Philadelphia. Visit www.flyavp.com for more flight information.
COLTS is also scheduled to return to its normal service at 9 a.m. today, though a final decision won't be made until around 4 a.m., Communications Director Gretchen Wintermantel said.
The snow is expected to stop by this morning, Mr. Pigott said Wednesday night, although winds of up to 25 mph are expected throughout the day. Freezing rain slicked the roads Wednesday, but the weather should be better for those traveling home from holiday festivities today, Mr. May said.
The weather will be clear most of today with a high of 34 degrees, and 33 degrees on Friday.
However, a smaller snowstorm is expected to blow through the region Saturday, bringing at least another few inches of snow, Mr. Pigott said.
The area is coming off a year that saw snow totals well below the usual.
During the autumn and winter of 2011-12, fewer than 19 inches of snow fell at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, with 9.1 inches of that falling Oct. 29, 2011, according to the National Weather Service website. The last time the area got more than 3 inches in a day was Jan. 21, when 3.8 inches of snow fell.
The 2011-12 total was the lowest since 10.9 inches fell during the 2005-06 season. The total was 55.4 inches in 2010-11 and 48.5 inches in 2009-10.
With another storm front moving through the area Saturday, the American Red Cross for the Northeast Pennsylvania Region issued tips on how to remain safe during moderate to severe winter weather events.
The first is to listen and watch for updates from the National Weather Service, and know the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning. A watch is issued when winter conditions are possible within the upcoming 36-48 hours, while a warning means bad weather conditions have already begun or will begin within the next 24 hours, according to Red Cross officials Wednesday.
People should also prepare by stocking up on emergency supplies in case individuals are forced to stay inside for a few days. The Red Cross recommends people have:
n A three-day supply of food and water, which consists of one gallon of water per person, per day.
n A flashlight, battery-powered weather radio and extra batteries
n A first aid kit.
n A weeklong supply of medication and medical items.
n Supplies for babies and pets.
When bad weather does hit, bring pets inside and move any livestock to sheltered areas. Minimize travel, and if leaving home, dress in layered, warm, loose-fitting clothing and keep emergency supplies in vehicles.
People traveling through Pennsylvania can check for road conditions, road closures and traffic delays at http://www.511pa.com/.
Staff writer MICHAEL IORFINO contributed to this report.
Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter