Wintry weather prompts Pennsylvania Turnpike speed reduction

NEW YORK (AP) — On a Saturday morning before the holidays, when shoppers would typically fill New York streets, the city slowed to a crawl as snow blanketed nearly empty streets. Up to about 4 inches came down in the city and suburban Long Island after days of bitter cold. Temperatures were in the 20s in the early morning when the snowfall started. But by late morning, the snow turned to freezing rain, creating even more hazardous, slippery conditions. Rain is expected in the afternoon as temperatures rise into the 40s. Before sunrise on Saturday, about half an inch of snow had accumulated. And by 8 a.m., vehicles were forced to move at a snail's pace in the heart of Manhattan — or else spin out of control. It took one driver about 10 minutes to get from Madison Avenue near the east side of Central Park to the west side. There were some reports of minor accidents.

As bitter cold snap ends, New York City battles snow