Philadelphia recently saw its biggest snowfall in a decade, with over 9 inches recorded at the airport. Just as winter looked set to leave, a layer of icy sleet added to the mix, creating a thick, challenging snowpack. “We’re facing a long wait before seeing bare ground again,” said meteorologist Alex Staarmann from the National Weather Service.
The snow began late Sunday morning but quickly turned to sleet that continued into the evening. In some parts, the sleet fell at an impressive rate of half an inch per hour. This freezing rain made the snow heavier—kind of a workout for those trying to clear their driveways!
Luckily, the storm didn’t lead to major damage, despite causing widespread flight cancellations. Out of 672 flights, only 21 took off. Regional rail and bus services were also halted. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker advised people to stay home, which many took to heart. Many businesses closed early, and it’s not every day that a ski resort halts operations because of heavy snow!
Social media buzzed with reactions to the storm, and grocery stores reported frantic stocking up. In fact, many local markets felt the impact of the snow predictions days in advance, with customers rushing to grab essentials.
In a surprising twist, the cold air kept the snow light and powdery, which reduced the risk of widespread power outages. Tom Kines from AccuWeather noted that while the scene wasn’t picture-perfect, it helped keep the lights on across the region.
But what’s next for Philly? Forecasts indicate that temperatures will stay chilly, barely reaching the 20s during the week ahead. A potential storm could emerge late next weekend, but for now, the city can expect dry, frigid days.
This recent storm serves as a reminder of winter’s power and unpredictability. As communities dig out, let’s hope the coming days bring clearer skies.
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