Category: Breaking News

Jan 28

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
Jan 28

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 .

Jan 27

Winter Storm Warnings and Watches have been issued. GPSW 2nd call map.

As you know by now a Significant Winter Storm will bring heavy snow to parts of the area. North and West of Philadelphia will see sharp cutoffs. The other main issue will be severe winds that could cause power outages. Use today and the first part of Friday to PREPARE for this storm.

At this point my thinking on this winter storm is close to the i95 area will see 6″+ less the further north you are. Vineland NJ east to the shore will see 8″+ with the jackpot zones being at the NJ shore.

TIMING: Snow arrives after 6pm Friday night. The heaviest will be 2am-11am Saturday morning. The snow will wrap up by dinnertime on Saturday afternoon.

WINDS: Winds could gust as high as 40 MPH along i95 with gust over 60mph possible near the shore.

The latest NWS Watches and Warnings 

WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to
  10 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

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

* WHEN...From Friday evening through Saturday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin Friday evening in
  Delmarva and southern New Jersey, spreading northward overnight
  into Saturday morning. Snow may be heavy at times through early
  Saturday afternoon before diminishing late in the day. Winds may
  generate areas of blowing snow and low visibilities at times.
  The storm total snow forecast remains a bit uncertain as there
  will likely be a sharp cutoff in the northwest extent of the
  highest snowfall totals, so stay tuned to the latest forecasts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this winter storm.
The latest NWS Watches and Warnings.

GPSW 2nd Call Map

North and West of the city T-2″
Trenton, Phila, Princeton, Delaware 4-8″+ some areas may see over 6″ in this area
SNJ, Shorepoints 8-12″ + some areas could see more.

At this time I feel the area in darker blue could jump up to a 6-10″ during our next call. We will have a final map out if needed mid day tomorrow.

Jan 27

Winter Storm Watches Issued, Winds Are A Huge Concern

This morning the NWS has issued Winter Storm Watches for parts of the area. The Winter Storm Watches are for the i95 corridor in our area. We will see sharp cut offs to the west. You can view the latest NWS alerts on our webpage at https://greaterphilaseverewx.com/active-alerts/


The winds will be a MAJOR issue and we could see power outages. If the models continue to forecast these high winds don’t be surprised if Blizzard Watches/Warnings are issued for locations down the shore.

The overnight models have came back to the west and currently the GFS is the outlier with most of the models coming back west, the CMC is the furthest west. While these are not forecast below they are what the models are showing.

Here is the last 2 NAM forecast runs.





Last Nights Model Runs


Jan 26

GPSW First Call Map For Upcoming Winter Storm

At this hour confidence is continuing to grow that parts of the east coast will see a major winter storm. This storm is capable of bringing feet of snow to some and blizzard conditions. This storm will impact most major cities on the east coast. The models continue to show a nor’easter with blockbuster potential for the weekend, mainly late Friday through Saturday, We still can’t answer how much you will get in your backyard, so please don’t ask! We will see snow but how much is the big question.

At this time this is our thinking. Our map shows who has the best chance of seeing less than 3″, more then 3″ and greatest chance for seeing over 6″.

At this time the i95 corridor around Philly we are looking at 3-6″ but any trend west will increase those numbers and any trend will decrease those numbers. Currently we are seeing a east trend. We hope to have those numbers somewhat finalized by tomorrow afternoon. Our second call map WILL have localized snow totals.

While we are not set on the snowtotals at this time, we do feel confident in saying who we feel will see at least those numbers above.

Now what the models are showing:

The latest Euro showing 6-18+ inches of snow depending on location. These totals cut down the further east you get.

Jan 25

Do we have a western trend? Big improvements for TEAM SNOW this afternoon.


So after this afternoons Euro run, the GFS and NAM look like they want to join in on the fun. While the GFS and NAM are not showing totals that the Euro did, they are showing a potential major winter storm for Baltimore to Maine. At this point confidence is growing but not locked in 100% just yet. This afternoons trends are HUGE for team snow.


Also we are seeing the “B” word being thrown around, we are not going to throw that out just yet. Someone along the East Coast could see those conditions. If we keep seeing these trends tomorrow afternoon it will be time to prepare for significant storm. Until then we will bring you updates throughout the night and into tomorrow.

At this point timing looks to be Friday afternoon until Saturday afternoon.

The 18z nam which is OUT of its normal range is painting a picture that lines with this afternoons euro run. While we the nam is out of range it does look very good for snow lovers. We will have an update tomorrow on the NAM once it gets into its range.

The GFS has moved a bit west which is great for snow lovers. We are going to keep a close eye on this to see if it catches up with the Euro/NAM.

We have added new features to our website, check them out in the menu bar above!

Jan 25

Late Week Storm Threat? Snow? Rain? Sunshine?

At this hour confidence is increasing that the east coast will see a winter storm late Friday into Saturday. While the track remains uncertain at this time who will see what, it has peaked out interest to really track and see what comes of it.

The potential that this storms brings significant winter weather to someone along the east coast is possible. Our team will be following this storm carefully and we will bring you updates as it gets closers. DO I think this might be our storm #TeamSnow? I am not sure yet but I like what I am seeing.

We will provide updates throughout the next day or so until this winter weather event.

Jan 16

Winter Weather Advisory Now In Effect until 10pm













A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect. We will see SNOW over take the area the next few hours before changing over to a wintery mix then all rain. We will have very gusty winds this evening/overnight which will lead to power outages. Most areas will see 1-2" of snow before changing over to the mix to rain. Higher amounts north of the city.  Some areas might see more snow as an over performer for some.

The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 1am for parts of Northern Bucks County until 1am.  


WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations
  of up to one inch and ice accumulations of a light glaze.
  Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Far northern Delmarva, far southeastern Pennsylvania,
  and Mercer County in New Jersey. Including the cities of Wilmington, Chestertown, Trenton, Media,
Philadelphia, West Chester, Kennett Square, Norristown, Lansdale,
Morrisville, and Doylestown. 


* WHEN...Until 10 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation is expected to start as snow
  before quickly changing to a wintry mix and eventually changing
  to all rain. The most hazardous travel conditions are expected
  with the wintry mix, including a period of freezing rain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

							
		


	





			
				


				

										
								

		

				

			Jan
			06
		

				

			
Winter Storm Update Final Snow CALL
		

		
		


							


















A winter storm will blanket the area with 3-5″ of snow late tonight into the early morning. Friday morning commute will be a mess. If you can stay home please do so and allow the snow plow operators time to clear the road without vehicles on the road.  







WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS
EVENING TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5
  inches.

* WHERE...Central and southwestern New Jersey, southeastern
  Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland and central and northern
  Delaware.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A narrow band of heavy snow may result in
  a brief period of snow rates up to 2 inches per hour late
  overnight and locally higher snow totals, though where this
  band may set up is uncertain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.






SNOWFALL TOTALS: 
Along i95 and in the Philly Metro area a general 3-5″ of snow is projected with some areas getting close to 6″ depending on banding setting up.  The latest NWS map is attached below as well. Between 3 and 5 inches is currently expected along much of the Interstate 95 corridor from New York City to Philadelphia and Washington..











Again here is a list of locations within the area. We will have a “how to read a map” class in the coming weeks. 





Philadelphia3-5” +
Reading, PA1-3”
Birdsboro, PA1-3”
Bristol, PA3-5” +
Quakertown, PA2-4”
Morrisville, PA3-5” +
Perkasie, PA2-4”
Lehighton, PA1-3” 
Lansford, PA1-3”
West Chester, PA2-4”
Phoenixville, PA2-4”
Coatesville, PA2-4”
Downingtown, PA2-4”
Chester, PA2-4”
Yeadon, PA2-4”
Darby, PA2-4”
Atlantic City, NJ2-4”
Pleasantville, NJ2-4”
Burlington, NJ3-5” +
Palmyra, NJ3-5” +
Camden, NJ3-5” +





TIMING:
The Snow will move into the area around 10/11pm to the east then make its way west. By day break snow will be heavy at times. We will post school closings as they come in on our school closing page.  





Winter Car Survival Kit. 
If you are going to be traveling during the height of the storm, have the following in your vehicle in the event you get stranded. 















A kit with essential items can help keep you warm while stranded, so make sure your vehicle is packed with these things before you hit the road:





  • Food: such as  snacks such as protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, whole-grain pretzels and crackers.
  • Water
    Warm extra clothes: Scarves, mittens, socks and hats. If you’re not wearing the warmest shoes (say, sandals or Crocs), you might also want to throw in a pair of snow boots.
  • Blankets: When you can’t rely on your car’s heater to keep you warm, you can prevent hypothermia by having blankets to keep your body temperature up. Make sure to have enough for yourself and any other passengers.
  • Hand warmers, small candles and matches: Keep toasty when rationing fuel.
  • A flashlight with spare batteries: With daylight being much shorter during winter, there’s a good chance that you may find yourself stranded in the dark. If your car breaks down and there are no inside or outside lights, a flashlight can be an important tool.
  • Whistle, flares, red bandanna or bright cloth: You can signal for help with these items.
  • Phone charger: Whether you’re snowed in, you crash or your car breaks down — especially in a low-traffic area — a fully charged phone is a must. Opt for a cellphone adapter to plug into the lighter or, even better, a USB portable battery pack (charge it fully before departing.)
  • Shovel and cat litter: When your car gets stuck in the snow, digging it out might be the way to go. With a portable snow shovel, you can dig around each wheel. Sprinkling cat litter — or sand — can add traction to get things moving again.
  • Ice scraper: Snow and ice can impede visibility. Make sure you clear off every inch of your vehicle before hitting the road and after any storm.
  • Jumper cables: Cold weather can be hard on a car. If your battery fails, having your own set of jumper cables could save you an expensive tow.
  • Personal hygiene items: Taking care of hygiene inside a car is challenging, but you can keep moist towelettes, period products, garbage bags and plastic ties — to seal any waste — for sanitation. If you wear contacts, have lenses and solution ready. You may want to throw in a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste kit.
  • Medication: If you take prescription medication, have at least enough stored for a 72-hour emergency.
  • Supplies for pets, babies and children: If you’re traveling with animals and children, make sure you have enough supplies for their needs. Include pet food, diapers, infant formula, bottles, wipes and diaper rash cream. To keep small children entertained, stash paper, crayons, books and toys.

							
		


	





			
				


				

										
								

		

				

			Jan
			04
		

				

			
Winter Weather Advisory in effect Wednesday
		

		
		


							








WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO NOON EST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of a
  light glaze.

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

* WHEN...From 7 AM to noon EST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Very slippery sidewalks, roads and bridges are
  possible. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning
  commute.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible
power outages.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.