Wintry blast to bring strong winds to Philadelphia region amid AccuWeather Alert

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A wintry blast is bringing strong winds as a cold front approaches the Philadelphia region on Thursday. An AccuWeather Alert has been issued.

A wind advisory is in place for our entire area through Thursday night for the chance of 40-50mph gusts.

Temperatures have already dropped and a rain/snow mix made for wet roadways during the morning commute. There is also a potential for snow squalls throughout the day.

Drivers are encouraged to be weather-aware and slow down.

6abc Meteorologist Karen Rogers says temperatures are expected to stay above freezing, but drivers should still be ready for changing road conditions.

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"It's already hitting the low tire pressure alert on my car, so I'm having to wait in line at Wawa to do that," said Jamie Shelton, who was getting ready for the incoming weather.

There was some snow in western Berks County. Viewer video from Betty Fiorentino showed a coating Thursday morning in Womelsdorf.

PennDOT crews were out preparing on Wednesday, pretreating major roads with brine to prevent icing, although any rain was expected to wash the brine away.

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"We have plenty of it. It wouldn't harm us to put it down," said Brad Rudolph, with PennDOT. "If it gets washed away, so be it, but if it starts to snow it would help with that first little layer that falls."

PennDOT has also boosted staffing and have resources in place to respond.

Jana Tidwell, from AAA, said drivers should be ready to adjust to changing conditions.

"If you find yourself in a snow squall, reduce your speed as quickly as possible, Tidwell said. "Reducing your speed allows you to maintain the utmost control of your vehicle."

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She also said drivers will want to increase visibility.

"Not just for you but also for other drivers," she said. "That means utilizing your headlights and hazard lights."