POCONOS –   As of 6 p.m., speed restrictions have been lifted on all interstates, but travelers are cautioned to watch for snow patches, especially in passing lanes and on the ramps.  Particularly treacherous areas include Interstate 84 in central and western Pike County.

PennDOT will have crews out round the clock.  Once the major roads are in reasonable shape, they can concentrate a bit more on the secondary roads.

With over two feet on the ground in some places, and some lingering snow still falling, getting out from under this giant snowstorm will take time. 

Road crews are tackling the major highways, including the interstates, first, and most are passable, with extreme caution.  Speed limit restrictions remain in place.  So do and commercial vehicle restrictions, except for Interstate 80, which was lifted late this morning..

Milford was almost deserted late Friday morning

Wal-Mart became a parking lot for big rigs banned from Interstate 84.  The store itself was open, with a moderate number of customers, but only two check-out lines open, neither an express or self-checkout.

All schools are closed, as are many government offices, businesses and retail establishments.

"Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow...." doesn’t apply around here.   The post office has suspended delivery and collections. 

According to an announcement this morning:  “Postal officials announced a suspension in delivery and collection operations in the following 3-digit Zip Code areas: 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187 and 188. The counties affected by this suspension are: Susquehanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Lackawanna, Sullivan, Pike, Wayne, Carbon, Schuylkill, Columbia, Bradford and Wyoming.  Retail operations are not affected and will remain open.”