Winter Storm Pounds Northeast

A powerful winter storm raging its way up the coast is making for a tough commute this morning.

Some inland areas could get up to 12 inches of snow on the ground by the time the storm tapers off in the early afternoon.

It's a slick ride on the roads, as thousands of pieces of snow removal equipment try to keep things passable and try to stay ahead of the snow that's falling at a rate of about two inches an hour.

There are many reports of spinouts and cars fishtailing as people make their way into work.

The speed limit on Massachusetts highways has been lowered to 40 miles an hour, although going slower than that is a good idea.

State officials say many motorists heeded their advice, and stayed off the roads. Governor Patrick told non-emergency state workers to hold off coming into work until noon: the hope was to keep the number of cars off the roads so that snow plow crews could work un-impeded.

City employees are being told to use common sense in reporting to work. Since most city employees live within the city limits, they can use public transportation.

The T had few problems this morning. The rapid transit lines are all running on schedule. Some bus routes have been diverted because of the snow. There were 20 minute to half hour delays on several of the commuter lines, specifically the Franklin, Fitchburg, Framingham and Haverhill lines.

Logan Airport has been operating with one runway. They were closed for about 45 minutes this morning. However many flights into and out of Logan have been canceled.

Many cities and towns have parking bans in effect. Schools in Boston, Newton and Needham are among the hundreds of schools across the state that have been canceled.