Cold wind, blowing snow, ice follow nor'easter

(WTXF/AP) - It would've been a good idea to start digging out if got snow, Tuesday. That's because overnight, everything froze over and it's going to be a tougher job Wednesday.

Don't expect any warmth. FOX 29's meteorologist Scott Williams Philadelphia won't make it above freezing. The early morning wind chill makes it feel like just 9 degrees.

There is a Wind Advisory for Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware.

Expect to see passing flurries and blowing, drifting snow into the afternoon.

Speaking of blowing and drifting, Atlantic City had wind gusts of more than 30mph even before 6am, and gusts could go up to 45 mph.

Areas north and west of the Philadelphia metro area are under a Winter Weather Advisory. (Click picture for Weather Authority graphics.)

PennDOT says speed restrictions are back to normal on Pennsylvania's major highways, but drivers are urged to be cautious because of black ice. Crews are continuing to treat roadways and will continue until they're clear. The temporary ban on tandem truck trailers, empty trailers, towed trailers, buses, recreational vehicles and motorcycles has also been lifted.

There are school delays and closings the day after the late-winter storm, but Philadelphia public schools are open on regular schedules Wednesday. The district also reported after-school activities including athletic programs and professional development sessions will take place. All District early childhood centers will be open. In addition, administrative offices will be open.

However, Archdiocesan high schools and parochial elementary schools in Philadelphia will open on a two hour delay. Click here for school closing and delay details from all over the region.

SEPTA still has buses suspended and detoured. Click here for its system status page. Wednesday morning, it reported Buses: All SEPTA bus routes have resumed service with the exception of Routes 35, 89 and J. Trolleys may experience some residual delays while full operations are being restored. Route 11: Eastbound service has resumed normal routing. Route 10: Resumed normal routing. Route 101: Inbound has resumed normal operations. Service is on or close to schedule. Regional Rail Service on SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Line has delays of up to 45 minutes, and the Media/Elwyn Line is operating with delays of up to 40 minutes, both due to Amtrak switch problems. All other lines may experience delays of up to 30 minutes due other to weather-related problems. Market/Frankford: There is no A or B express service due to extreme temperatures. All trains are making all stops.

Meanwhile, NJ Transit bus service has resumed and trains are operating on a holiday schedule.

Check with your airline if you plan to fly out. The storm grounded more than 6,000 flights, keeping planes that were supposed to be in Philadelphia -- or at Lehigh Valley and Atlantic City international airports -- from coming in from out of town.

The Postal Service is asking customers to help safe delivery by keeping walkways, sidewalks and mailbox pathways clear from snow and ice. In the past, postal carriers have suffered serious injuries from slips, trips and falls due to icy and snow-covered walkways and porch steps.

The wind and heavy snow brought down power lines and thousands are still without electricity.

Wednesday morning, the number was 5,286 homes and businesses in New Jersey.

Atlantic City Electric said most were in Gloucester and Salem counties, while PSE&G is restoring service mainly in Burlington and Camden counties.

Delmarva Power reported a lot more: 12,000 customers in the dark in New Castle County.

Parts of the Jersey Shore are assessing damage to the beaches - not from snow, but high wind and heavy rain.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called the storm an "underperformer" but officials still warned of dangerous ice.

Local roads are more likely to still have snow and ice, so pedestrians on sidewalks and crossing streets should also take precautions and leave extra time.

You'll remember snow was limited because of mixing with sleet and rain. Still, the Lehigh Valley got one foot, and the Philadelphia area got about a half foot.

The Poconos got 2 feet and inland areas like Harrisburg got hit hard with more than a foot.

Friday, we'll break 40 for St . Patrick's Day but see more clouds and a wet weather system, bringing snow from the north and west, which will turn into rain.

Saturday, we'll keep a chance of leftover rain, but have thawing temperatures in the 40s from Saturday through Monday.

Then Tuesday, we may hit 50.

New England got it worse. By the time the nor'easter reached Massachusetts, it had turned into a blizzard with near hurricane-force winds gusting to more than 70mph along the coast. Boston ended up with 6.6 inches of snow, still far less than what was predicted. That city canceled school for a second day as cleanup efforts continued.