WEATHER ALERT: Speed Restrictions, Schools Close As Snow Makes For Tough Tuesday Commute

Just in case you forgot it was winter, Mother Nature would like to remind you again this week.

Anywhere from 2-4 inches of snow fell across New Jersey on Tuesday morning, already making a mess of the Tuesday commute as drivers battled accidents and speed restrictions.

The most fell in Cape May - 7 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Six inches fell in Ocean County and 3 inches fell in southern New Jersey.

Full, systemwide cross-honoring of NJTransit rail, bus and light rail passes/tickets is in effect for Tuesday. The Port Authority reported “excessive” airline delays at Newark Liberty International Airport.

A number of schools announced closings and delays in anticipation of the snowfall. State offices will open at 11 a.m.

>>Related: WEATHER ALERT: School Closings/Delays List In New Jersey

The following happened/was imposed:

• 25-mph speed restrictions on the Ben Franklin Bridge, Whitman Bridge, Commodore Barry Bridge and Betsy Ross Bridge between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
• 25 mph speed restricitons on the Outerbridge Crossing and Goethals Bridge
• A 45-mph speed restriction on the Garden State Parkway in both directions from Exit 143 in Irvington to the New York State line in Montvale, and a 35-mph speed restriction on the Garden State Parkway in both directions from Cape May to Exit 143 in Irvington
• A 45-mph speed restriction on the New Jersey Turnpike in both directions from Exit 11 to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, and a 35-mph speed restriction from the Delaware Memorial Bridge in Pennsville to Exit 11.
• A vehicle was off the roadway on I-295 southbound Exit 64 in Hamilton. Left shoulder closed.
• An accident on the New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway northbound north of Exit 13A - Newark Liberty International Airport. All lanes open to traffic.
• An accident on the Garden State Parkway southbound north of Barnegat tolls in Waretown. Center lane blocked.
• An accident on the New Jersey Turnpike - Pennsylvania Extension westbound, east of toll plaza in Florence. All lanes open to traffic.
• A traffic signal was own on Route 71 northbound Route 524/Allaire Rd in Spring Lake Heights. All lanes closed.

>>Related:

• WEATHER ALERT: Hour-By-Hour Forecast Of Snowstorm In New Jersey; Some Schools Close
• WEATHER ALERT: How to Prevent and Deal With Frozen Pipes On Coldest Weekend Since 2004
• Autopsy Results On Ocean County, N.J. Woman Found Dead, Frozen In Snow Pending Toxicology Results

Forecasters warn the temperatures are “dangerously” cold and can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. “If you must venture outdoors, make sure to dress in layers and cover exposed skin,” the NWS-issued Winter Storm Watch said.

According to the Weather Channel, temperatures will remain bitter cold throughout the week, with lows on Thursday again plummeting below zero. It looks like a break from the harsh cold may arrive next weekend, when Sunday’s high is forecasted to be in the low 40s.

(Photo: National Weather Service snow predictions map)