DEP Declares Drought Watch for 36 Counties in PA, Asks for Voluntary Water Conservation




###PRESS RELEASE FROM THE PA DEP:

Harrisburg, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the Commonwealth Drought Task Force has declared a drought watch for 36 counties and asks for voluntary water conservation in those counties.

“A few counties have experienced very dry conditions over the summer, and a number of others have inched into increasingly dry conditions in recent weeks. We’re asking Pennsylvanians in all of these counties to use water wisely and follow simple water conservation tips to ease the demand for water,” said DEP Acting Secretary Ramez Ziadeh.

The following counties are on drought watch: Berks, Bucks, Bradford, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Dauphin, Delaware, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, and Wyoming. For a map of drought declarations that’s updated daily, see the DEP drought web page.

Residents on drought watch are asked to reduce their individual water use by 5 to 10%, or a reduction of three to six gallons of water per day. 

DEP is notifying all water suppliers in these counties of the need to monitor their supplies and be prepared by updating their drought contingency plans as necessary. Varying localized conditions may lead water suppliers or municipalities to ask residents for more stringent conservation actions. 

At this time, two public water suppliers are requiring residents to reduce their water use: Galeton Borough Water Authority in Potter County and Waterville Water Association in Lycoming County. 

Six suppliers are asking residents to voluntarily reduce their water use:

• BCI Municipal Authority, Clearfield County

• Driftwood Boro, Cameron County

• Jersey Shore Area Joint Water Authority, Lycoming County

• Lock Haven, Clinton County

• Palmerton Municipal Water Authority, Carbon County

• Pennsylvania American Water Company – Bangor District, Carbon County

Ways to Conserve Water at Home

There are many ways to conserve water at home, including: 

• Run water only when necessary. Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Shorten the time you let the water run to warm up before showering. 

• Run the dishwasher and washing machine less often, and only with full loads.

• Water your garden in the cooler evening or morning hours, and direct the water to the ground at the base of the plant, so you don’t waste water through evaporation.

• Water your lawn only if necessary. Apply no more than 1 inch of water per week (use an empty can to determine how long it takes to water 1 inch). Avoid watering on windy and hot days. This pattern will encourage healthier, deeper grass roots. Over-watering is wasteful, encourages fungal growth and disease, and results in shallow, compacted root systems that are more susceptible to drought.

• When mowing your lawn, set the blades to 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil, improving moisture retention. It also grows thicker and develops a deeper root system, so it can better survive drought.

• Check for and repair household leaks. For example, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.

• Sweep your sidewalk, deck, or driveway instead of hosing it off.

• Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40-50 percent less energy.

• Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.

• Set up a rain barrel to be ready to repurpose rain when it does fall. For information, see this Penn State Extension guide.

Find more tips at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

How DEP Determines Drought Conditions

To determine drought conditions, DEP assesses information on public water supply levels and data on four indicators: precipitation, surface water (stream and river) flow, groundwater level, and soil moisture. Declarations aren’t based on one indicator alone, such as precipitation.  

The DEP Drought Coordinator monitors the indicators in close partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which maintains gauges in streams and wells in many locations across Pennsylvania. 

There are normal ranges for all four indicators. DEP makes drought status recommendations after assessing departures from these ranges for all indicators for periods of 3-12 months. For a map that’s updated daily to show the status of all four indicators for each county, see the USGS Pennsylvania drought condition monitoring website.

DEP shares these data and its recommendations with the state and federal agencies and other organizations that make up the Commonwealth Drought Task Force. Drought watch and warning declarations are determined by DEP, with the concurrence of the task force. 

Drought emergency declarations follow the same process, with final approval by the governor.  No county is in drought warning or emergency status at this time.

For more information on how DEP monitors conditions and makes drought status declarations, see the drought management fact sheet.

The next Commonwealth Drought Task Force meeting will be on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 1:00 PM.

Breaking: Philadelphia named Host City for FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be coming through Philadelphia. Announced just moments ago FIFA has selected Philadelphia out of 26 US cities. This will be the 23rd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men’s association football championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The tournament will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This is the first time since 1994 the World Cup will return to North America.

The host cities for the US are:
PHILADELPHIA (Lincoln Financial Field)
ATLANTA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

BOSTON (Gillette Stadium)
DALLAS
(AT&T Stadium)
HOUSTON (NRG Stadium)
KANAS CITY (Arrowhead Stadium)
LOS ANGELES (SOFi Stadium)
MIAMI (Hard Rock Stadium)
NEW JERSEY (Metlife Stadium)
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA (Levi Stadium)
SEATTLE
(Lumen Field)

The 2022 World Cup, taking place in host nation Qatar later this year, that will begin on Nov. 21 and run through Dec. 18. 

Also in July of 2026 Philadelphia will host the MLB All-Star Game and week of festivities.

Wind Advisory in effect until 1am and SLIGHT Chance of Severe Weather

The SPC has placed the area in a SLIGHT chance of severe weather for this afternoon and evening. We will see a line of storms develop with some thunderstorms. These storms will be capable of producing wind guts up to 60 mph.


You can view the latest SPC information on our website at https://greaterphilaseverewx.com/severe-weather-center/

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 1 AM EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph
  expected shifting to northwest this evening with gusts of 40 to
  50 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, northern, northwest and southern
  New Jersey, east central, northeast and southeast
  Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland and central, northern and
  southern Delaware.

* WHEN...From noon today to 1 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
  result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A line of showers with a few embedded
  thunderstorms will move across the area late this afternoon into
  this evening along a cold front and could contain winds briefly
  gusting up to 60 mph in places.


Our team will bring you the latest info as these storms move across the area this afternoon and evening. 

Friday Ice Threat and Flash Freeze


The threat of ICE that we have mentioned yesterday is still growing on Friday. As of this afternoon the Euro model is now starting to trend colder. Both the GFS and Euro are showing a major ice event for locations to our west.

Friday afternoon could be a icy mess if these were to verify. Also Friday afternoon we will see big drop in temps creating a flash freeze where any wet surfaces could turn to black ice later Friday afternoon/evening. Even if you do not change over to the ZR on Friday, you will see ice develop as temps crash.


Here is this afternoons EURO and GFS Model.

We are following this very carefully and will keep you updated as we get closer.

Temps rise to 50s before possible wintery mix on Friday

This week we will see temps hit around 50º BUT a wintery mix/ice event might follow these warmer temps.

While I usually don’t like to talk about a system 5 days out, but I want to put it out that some could from the central plains to the north east could see a ice storm event. While we are not sure of who will see what around here. Models are hinting that ice/freezing rain could make its way towards the Philadelphia area. Anytime I have to mention ICE it scares me as this is no joke. I am hoping this system gets colder faster or stays warm and we are in rain or just snow, but NO ICE.

The GFS paints a icy picture but after the GFS did not do well with our storm last week, I am hoping it stays the same and we do not see this happen. Now the 18z which is pictured below is slightly north from the 12z runs.


Timing: Wed. we could see some freezing fog, then Rain on Thursday. Then a winter mix on Friday that could bring snow and a mix to the area.

Again this is in no way a forecast, I want to get the word out of a possible ICE event later in the week. This would cause major issues.

How to prepare for a Major Winter Storm:

Weatherproof your home tips from the CDC and Weather.Gov
  • Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Insulate walls and attic.
  • Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
  • Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.
Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.

If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector or find one online.Featured ResourceCover of infographic: Be Ready! Winter Weather

Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. 
  • If you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
  • Keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby.
  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside.
  • Each winter season have your furnace system and vent checked by a qualified technician to ensure they are functioning properly.
For older adults, keep an easy-to-read thermometer inside your home.

If you or a loved one are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently. Our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age. Older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. Check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.

Create an emergency car kit. 

It is best to avoid traveling, but if travel is necessary

  • Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
  • Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
  • Windshield scraper
  • Shovel
  • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Water and snack food
  • First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
  • Tow chains or rope
  • Tire chains
  • Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
  • Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
  • Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables
  • Hazard or other reflectors
  • Bright colored flag or help signs, emergency distress flag, and/or emergency flares
  • Road maps
  • Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water

Unofficial Snowfall Totals

Here are the unofficial snowfall totals that are being reported via social media as well as the NWS. Snow will began to taper off this afternoon. Across the Philly/i95 area a general 6-12″ has fallen depending on location. Our final calls are inline with that has fallen across most of the area.

The following are UNOFFICIAL totals reported via social media and NWS. These totals were as of 11am this morning. We will update these late today.

Atlantic County 


 Northfield                   15.0

 1 WSW Smithville             14.0

 Galloway Twp                 14.0

 Absecon                      13.5

 Egg Harbor Twp.              12.6

 Egg Harbor Twp               12.5

 Estell Manor                 12.5

 Estell Manor                 12.5

 Northfield                   12.0

 Egg Harbor Twp               12.0



Burlington County


Southampton 9.0

 Shamong    8.5

 Southampton8.0



Camden County


Gloucester Twp9.2

 Somerdale8.1

 Sicklerville7.3

 Cherry Hill9



Cape May County


 Avalon   15.0

 Sea Isle City14.0

 Marmora  14.0

Villas14.0



Mercer County


 Ewing    8.8

 Hamilton 9.0

 Pennington8.2

 Princeton8.5



Bucks


Langhorne 8.4

Levittown8

Bensalem7.9



Chester County


West Goshen4.5



Philadelphia County


PHL Airport6

Rittenhouse Square7.9



Montgomery County 


Norristown6.8

New Hanover 5.2
GPSW Snow report

NOWCASTING and CURRENT OBSERVATION THREAD!

As we start to see the snow move into the area. We will use this pinned thread for current observations as well as updates throughout the storm. Use the #GPSWSnow22

When submitting your reports, Please include the following information:

City, State and County
Latitude and Longitude (If known)
Date and time of weather event
Type of Weather Observed
Amount of Precip.

Keep Fire Hydrants CLEAR

When shoveling a fire hydrant it is important to shovel not only the access to the hydrant from the roadway, but also 3-feet around the fire hydrant. Remember the “3 rules for 3 feet”:

1.) Access: When arriving at a hydrant, the “hydrant fire fighter” grabs the hydrant bag with all of the hydrant tools and adapters, and the large diameter supply hose that will get the water to the fire truck. The fire fighter must pull the supply hose for the back of the truck and will “wrap the hydrant” until the truck drives off. This keeps the supply hose anchored at the hydrant and keeps hose from getting drug down the roadway behind the pumper as it drives away.

2.) Room to Work: When affixing adapters, and “charging the hydrant” or turning on the hydrant, adapters and wrenches have a tendency to fall victim to gravity. This problem can be compounded by these items getting lost in the snow. Three feet is vital to quickly find a dropped piece of hardware.

3.) Safety: Some may ask, “Why do I need to shovel the back of the hydrant?” “They can get to the front of the hydrant.” When “charging the hydrant” or turning on the hydrant, for safety reason, the fire fighter MUST stand behind the hydrant. They will NEVER stand in front of the hydrant or to the side of the hydrant. If a hydrant cap, coupling or adapter were to not be securely affixed or become damaged, the water pressure could blow the cap, coupling or adapter off, causing injury to the fire fighter. Once again, having all sides (front, right, left and BACK) is vital for proper and safe hydrant operations.

If you have a hydrant on your property, we ask that you shovel your hydrant to help your local fire department. If you are unable to shovel your hydrant due to health reasons, etc., attempt to educate your neighbors about this “Adopt a Hydrant” program and ask them for assistance. If you have a neighbor who is elderly, or who otherwise can not shovel a fire hydrant, please offer to help shovel the hydrant on their property. In any event, we would like to stress, please seek permission to access another’s property.

winter storm

Significant Winter Storm to bring HEAVY Snow to the area.

A MAJOR winter storm is about to bring over a foot of snow across many locations. In addition to heavy snow we will see winds over 40mph, wind chills below zero. The snow we are seeing now is NOT apart of this massive storm.

Our final calls are posted below.

If you do NOT have to travel on Late tonight through Sunday morning, please stay off the roads to allow road crews to clear the roads. Also keep fire hydrants clear on your property.

The latest radar is showing the “appetizer” snow event we are seeing now.

LIVE Current Radar

The latest NWS Watches, Warnings and Advisories you can view them here

A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect at 7pm until 7pm Saturday night.



Wind Chill: Saturday night wind chills will be below zero!

Timing: Snow will start to move into the area after 5pm and taper off around 4/5pm Saturday afternoon.

Hazards: TRAVEL will be a mess! STAY off the roads when the snow comes.


Power Outages: Areas in the blizzard warning could see power outages as could inland areas due wind gusts over 40mph and closer to 50mph across the shore points.

HOW MUCH SNOW AT YOUR HOUSE!

The following is a LIST of possible snow in each of these towns. If you do not see your town listed, but see the one close to you follow those amounts. Generally i95 corridor (Phila, Lower Bucks, Trenton) will see 6-12″+. North and west will see sharp cutoffs and shore points will see over 12″ with pockets of 18″. The further north and west of the shore you with the smaller amount.

Reading, PAC-2”
Allentown, PAC-2”
Bethlehem, PAC-2”
Philadelphia, PA6-12”
Atlantic City, NJ14”+
Camden, NJ6-12”
Vineland, NJ8-16”
Trenton, NJ8-12”+
New Brunswick, NJ8-16”
Perth Amboy, NJ12-18”
Sayreville, NJ12-18”
Wilmington, DE4-12” 
Bucks County
Bristol, PA8-12”
Quakertown, PA1-3”
Morrisville, PA6-12”
Perkasie, PA2-4” 
Chester County
West Chester, PA1-3”
Phoenixville, PA1-3”
Coatesville, PA1-3”
Downingtown, PA1-3”
Delaware County
Chester, PA2-4”
Yeadon, PA2-4”
Darby, PA2-4”
Lansdowne, PA2-4”
Camden County 
Camden, NJ6-12”
Lindenwold, NJ6-12”
Collingswood, NJ4-8”
Ocean County 
Point Pleasant, NJ8-16”
Beachwood, NJ8-16”
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ8-16”
South Toms River, NJ8-16” 


Norristown, PA3-8”
Pottstown, PA2-6”
Lansdale, PA2-6”
Conshohocken, PA3-6”

Local townships have started issue snow emergencies. To view the latest snow emergencies CLICK HERE .