'Stay Off Roads' Montgomery Co. Authorities Warn

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Hundreds of accidents were reported in Montgomery County early Thursday afternoon as the snowstorm intensified, and officials urged residents to stay off the roads.

The Department of Public Safety said at around 2 p.m. that there had been a total of 120 accidents and 45 disabled vehicles just since noon with "numbers rising every minute." By 3 p.m., that number had risen to 250 accidents and 350 disabled vehicles.

In areas with even slight inclines and hills, traffic was especially heavy, as cars that came to a stop spun out and became stuck when they tried to move again.

This was the case on Righters Ferry Road in Bala Cynwyd heading up towards City Line Avenue, where several vehicles were turned off to the side of the road and another few were stalled in the center of the road.

In Upper Providence, an accident just before 1 p.m. at Black Rock Road blocked traffic near the hectic intersection with Egypt Road, causing backups between Phoenixville and Providence Town Center.

Heavy traffic was reported in both directions for the length of 422 from Valley Forge out past Pottstown. Near the Oaks exit, an accident put multiple cars on the shoulder in the westbound lanes, 422 Sucks first reported. In the eastbound lanes near the Royersford exit there was another two-car accident.

Drivers said low visibility caused sudden stoppages that led vehicles to drive off the road to avoid accidents.

Numerous roads have been closed. Check back for updates as they become available.

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