Look Out For Icy Roads And Wind Gusts During Your Evening Commute
By Geoff Bansen
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's Groundhog Day once again, and for the 102nd time in 119 years or record keeping, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and escaped into the abyss of his underground refuge. Six more weeks of winter, coming right up!
Despite the depressing prediction from our furry friend, the first six weeks of winter haven't been all that bad. Philadelphia has only recorded 5.1" of snow, a welcome statistic after having 37" this time last year.
Snow aside, boy is it going to feel like winter tonight. As the rain, sleet and snow begins to depart, temperatures are beginning to fall fast! Because of this, there is a great concern for a very quick freeze in the coming hours, and a Winter Weather Advisory has been extended until midnight. The combination of wet roads from all of today's precipitation and the rapidly falling temperatures may result in significant icing on roads, especially on those that are untreated. Icing will also be a concern on bridges and overpasses. If you need to be out driving this evening and tonight, please be prepared for this potential. Allow extra time and use caution.
To make matters worse, winds are beginning to pick up. Wind Advisories have already been issued for all areas south of Chester/Delco/Philadelphia/Burlington. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph may gust as high as 45-50 mph. This is strong enough for tree limbs and power lines to be put at risk.
The weather will quiet down by Tuesday, with a few days to breathe a little before another system could bring some snow on Thursday.