Wintry blast brings Christmas Eve snow and ice to Philadelphia region

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The timing of Tuesday morning's wintry blast slowed down last-minute holiday rush on the roads.

A quick hit of snow and freezing rain left a coating on the ground on this Christmas Eve.

Anyone heading to the grocery stores, grandma's house or even the mall to get those last minutes gifts have been braving the elements.

"It's Christmas-y and I'm glad we didn't get a lot," said Joanne Denick, from Bridgeport.

It's a festive feel indeed, with just enough snow on the ground - for now - to let us all dream of a white Christmas.

"That would be a nice Christmas gift," said Nerisa Rios, from Norristown.

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Another nice gift -- from what we can tell -- is the roads have stayed manageable.

Because we've had below freezing temperatures since Saturday afternoon, the snow was likely to stick to the ground early before we rose above the melting period later in the afternoon.

But PennDOT crews were out on Monday treating the roads, with trucks putting brine on the major highways, like I-95. Still, there are winter warning signs out on the highways and interstates.

PennDOT is urging drivers to be prepared.

"It's better right now than it was when I originally came out. Because it was a little slippery," said Teresa Haleem, from King of Prussia.

Hardware stores were also busy, like at Do it Best Hardware in Wayne, where shoppers were picking up salt, shovels and other supplies.

Conditions seem to be improving as the day stretches on with the snow melted from the roads, but it did stick the grass, which is very exciting for 6-year-old Fletcher McGrath.

His Christmas sledding plans could be hit or miss, but this little bit of snow is getting drivers in the holiday spirit.

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ALSO SEE: NORAD Santa Tracker | WATCH LIVE