WEATHER: Six More Weeks Of Winter...And Possibly Snow!
By Steven Strouss
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Happy Groundhog Day! Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning (for the 102nd time) and predicts six more weeks of winter, but for snow lovers in Philadelphia, it seems that winter never arrived. Despite several promising storms, the city has only measured 5.1" of snow this season, while last year at this time we already shoveled over 37" of the white stuff.
The snow from early this morning was washed away by rain as temperatures climbed above freezing, but commuters in most areas are still navigating a slushy mess on roads and sidewalks along with reduced visibility and ponding. For travelers in the Poconos, there is over 6" of fresh snow on the ground so give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Winter Storm Warnings will expire early this afternoon in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos as the snow and rain taper. Meanwhile, a Wind Advisory goes into effect at 1 p.m. for Delaware and Southern New Jersey. Northwest winds could gust up to 50 mph later today, in these areas, and that is strong enough to bring down tree limbs and cause possible power outages.
Along with gusty winds, temperatures will crash down behind the storm overnight into the teens. Any standing water and slush will freeze on untreated roads so there is a concern for black ice. The next few days will be quieter, but then our attention turns to another system which could bring some snow on Thursday.