First Real Winter Arrives; Media Urges Panic

Everybody into the cellar! There’s snow on the ground! Let’s close all the schools and live for the next two months on our huge rations of bread and milk!

Yes, we’ve finally had our first snowfall of the year, and our local media is reacting in a way not seen from journalists since the explosion of the Maine. As KYW 1060 put it, “Even walking was hazardous; many sidewalks were coated with ice.” (KYW also pulled a Daily News and had six people report the aforementioned story.)

NBC 10: headlined its report “Freezing Rain And Ice Causing Treacherous Conditions.” Treacherous! It’s like the freezing rain is an insurgent or something.

So what can we expect for the rest of the day aside from falling over each other on the sidewalks and having to cross treacherous terrain no matter what path we take? Philly Weather says it’ll change to rain in a few hours as it warms to the mid-30s and then back to snow in the evening. There are some problems: High wind gusts, lots and lots of freezing rain/sleet could cause power outages, etc. And, of course, the sidewalks.

Update, 10:30 a.m.: Nevermind, it was impossible trying to walk out there. Forget it, everybody, let’s panic!

Delaware Valley Hit With a Wintry Mix [KYW 1060]
Freezing Rain And Ice Causing Treacherous Conditions [NBC 10]
Ice Storm Warning Until 10 AM [Philly Weather]
Feb. 1: ‘Daily News’ Sics Entire Staff On Reid Sons Story