Fast-moving snowstorm will make for slow morning commute in Berks; dry, partly sunny afternoon expected

A winter storm arrived well before dawn today, transitioning from rain to wet, heavy snowfall that is expected to last only a few hours, resulting in 2 to 4 inches of accumulation by late morning.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on interstates, including I-78 in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties.

Area schools are closed or implementing flexible instruction protocols.

A winter storm warning from the National Weather Service remains in effect throughout the region through 3 p.m. today.

By the afternoon, most roads will likely be cleared of snow because road crews will have plowed for several hours.

A partly sunny afternoon is ahead with a high temperature of 40 degrees, according to AccuWeather.

You will want to clear snow from your vehicles, driveways and sidewalks during the day because overnight temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, hardening the snow.