Float To Work Today On A Gust Of Wind

Philadelphia hasn’t gotten anything more than a couple inches of snow so far this winter, which means the triumphant return of John Bolaris to Philadelphia at Fox 29 and the usual over-the-top weather forecasts from the other stations haven’t really been much of a factor in the local news.

But fear not, sports fans! Although it’s 48 degrees out right now, we Philadelphians are facing up to 45 mph wind gusts this afternoon. According to Phillyweather.net, these kinds of weather systems — short systems of rain coupled with high winds, though that’s oversimplifying it — are called bowling ball lows and we usually don’t get them until later in the year.

We’re going to get another on Friday, but the temperatures will be too high to bring even freezing rain or sleet to anywhere but the usual “north and west of the city.” Best not to even try to bring your umbrella out with the high winds; just zip up that old Charlotte Hornets Starter jacket and brave the elements yourself.

Sunday’s supposed to be gorgeous.

Today’s weather: From mild to wild [Inquirer]
Bowling Season Is A Bit Early [Phillyweather.net]

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

Apocalypse Philadelphia: 50 MPH winds

Last night I heard Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz telling me that there were going to be winds of up to 50 miles per hour this morning. That sounded like typical weatherman overstatement.

Well, now that I know today is Apocalypse Philadelphia, I know that Hurricane wasn’t exaggerating. High winds sparked a car fire! How does that even work? 54,000 customers in Pennsylvania don’t have power. An awning on Chestnut Street was blown off this morning by these apocalyptic winds. And the weather isn’t really even that bad, besides the wind. It’s in the 60s! And it’s going to get nicer — before going to get into single digit wind chills by tonight.

Oh, and also, my umbrella was almost broken walking to work this morning, and I’m still kinda peeved about it.

High Winds Wreak Havoc Across Tri-State [CBS 3]
Power Outages Reported From High Winds [NBC 10]
Forecast Discussion: Update For Today [Philadelphia Weather]