Blizzard warning in effect until 8 p.m., making travel treacherous

The blizzard warning, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for today’s snowstorm is expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m.Gov. Deval Patrick asked all non-essential state workers to remain at home and encouraged all residents to keep off the roads if possible.Travel on the Massachusetts Turnpike was slowed to a crawl. State Troopers responded to several stuck and disabled motor vehicles and spin-outs before noon. Conditions were worsened by high winds, low visibility, an increase in traffic, and snow falling too fast for plows to keep up.The MassPike midnight shift personnel were held over into the day shift, while the day shift was called in early, according to State Police.Speed was limited to 40 mph from the New York line to Boston, but most traffic was moving 20-30 mph.Logan Airport was open, but all arriving and departing flights were delayed indefinitely.Amtrak has temporarily suspended train service between New York City and Boston due to a fallen tree near Sharon, south of Boston.Read Thursday’s edition of The Daily Item for complete coverage of the storm, along with storm photos from throughout the region.