WEATHER ALERT: Speed Restrictions As Snow, Ice Hit Pennsylvania

Welcome to the first real snowstorm of 2015.

Winter Storm Iola brought as many as 8 inches of snow and plenty of ice to Pennsylvania on Saturday as accidents littered the states’ major highways, and speed restrictions were imposed to slow down drivers on the slick roads.

Accuweather reports that snow was still falling in parts of eastern Pennsylvania as of 8 a.m.

There will be a few hours of icy patches before the temperatures warm above freezing on Saturday. Thereafter, the rain will lighten up during Saturday afternoon and taper off towards evening as snow showers or a wintry mix, according to the National Weather Service.

Watch for a re-freeze on Saturday night.

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The snow fell at a rate of an inch-per-hour at times in most of Pennsylvania before mixing with sleet and a period of freezing rain prior to daybreak, according to police.

The National Weather Service has issued a “Winter Weather Advisory,” in effect from 9 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday, for snow and freezing rain covering nearly all of eastern Pennsylvania.

The National Weather Service also issued a “Hazardous Weather Outlook,” saying a ”significant coastal storm” will to track up the East Coast Friday night and through Saturday. The snow will probably mix in, or change to rain Saturday morning. Slick travel will develop late Friday night and into Saturday.

When and where the snow changed to rain was be the deciding factor in how much snow we get.

“A distance of 30 miles could make the difference between 6 inches of snow and an inch of rain,” AccuWeather.com Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams said.