US Northeast sees another round of snow

WASHINGTON (AP) A snowstorm pushed into the northeastern United States on Tuesday, after causing widespread school and government closures in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere along the Eastern seaboard.

In Washington, snow was falling at daybreak, but traffic problems failed to materialize as many workers stayed home. Non-emergency federal employees were granted an excused absence and others were told to telecommute, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Public schools were closed in the capital city, Philadelphia and parts of five other states.

Hundreds of transportation crews were out treating and plowing highways in New England, where up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of snow was expected. State police in Connecticut said there had been 83 crashes by late morning, with eight minor injuries.

The snow was expected to end before the evening commute in Philadelphia, which was hit by a surprise 8-inch (20-centimeter) snowfall on Sunday. While much of that snow had melted during a rainstorm Monday, the city was expecting up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) more Tuesday.

New York City, which was forecast to get up to 5 inches (13 centimeters), suspended some parking rules to facilitate snow removal.

Flight delays were reported in Philadelphia, Newark and New York.

In Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, meteorologists predicted the snow would taper off around the time commuters headed home for the day, but roads and sidewalks were expected to remain slick.

Outside Washington, traffic was light Tuesday morning. With temperatures hovering around freezing, highways that had been plowed and treated were passable, but conditions began to deteriorate after 8 a.m. as the pace of the snowfall increased.

The usually bustling Springfield Metro station was nearly deserted. Those who did have to work said the lack of traffic made the slushy roads easier to navigate.

"I wish it was like this all the time minus the snow," said Maelin Traylor, 28. "The traffic was wonderful."

Forecasters said more wintry weather could be on the way for the region this weekend.