What You Need to Know: Nor'easter Leaves Roads Treacherous, Knocks Out Power
A First Alert remains in effect through 7 a.m. Thursday as the region deals with slippery roads and the possibility of downed tree limbs and power lines.
The second nor'easter in less than a week inundated the Philadelphia region with heavy snow and even lightning and claps of thunder in some spots Wednesday.
Road conditions quickly deteriorated around midday as the storm intensified as forecasted sending a wall of snow sweeping west to east. Some drivers spent three hours on I-76 in Conshohocken after a tractor-trailer jackknifed in the storm.
New Jersey State Police say they responded to 356 car crashes and 462 motorist aids since midnight.
The nor'easter began to spin out of the region just before 5 p.m. leaving behind nearly a foot of snow piled up in some neighborhoods. But in other towns, snowfall was minimal. The wide disparity was expected as the storm moved north along the coast, throwing the most intense snowfall into the Philadelphia suburbs.
This type of storm is always changing so here's the newest information from the NBC10 First Alert Weather Center:
The storm is almost completely gone. Parts of South Jersey are the only areas still seeing snow.
Road conditions remain a mess as the heavy snow has proven difficult for crews to keep up.
Power outages have skyrocketed as the heavy snow has weighed down power lines and trees weakened by Friday's storm.
Lightning strikes brought rare thundersnow to parts of South Jersey.
Temperatures will remain below freezing so there will not be a lot of melting. Sidewalks, bridges, and roads can remain slick overnight.
The height of the storm began to hit in the early afternoon with heavy, wet snow blanketing roads and sidewalks and making for dangerous travel. Visibility in Philadelphia quickly dropped to a half mile.
“It only gets heavier from this point on,” NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Steve Sosna said.
A First Alert remains in effect through 7 a.m. Thursday as the region deals with slippery roads and the possibility of downed tree limbs and power lines.
Temperatures will be near freezing. The wet snow will be a true chore to remove. Those with heart conditions or bad backs should avoid shoveling the so-called "heart attack snow." You should also check on your neighbors.
NBC10
The latest expected snow totals forecast map as of 11 a.m. on March 7, 2018. | <a href="http://media.nbcphiladelphia.com/images/SNOW+FORECAST+3-7-18+11a.png target="_blank">See Larger
Press Herald via Getty Images
SACO, ME - MARCH 14: Dan Littlefield of Campe Ellis attempts to clear snow from his car Sunday morning, March 14, 1993. "There was a car around here somewhere," he joked. The Portland Jetport received 17 inches of new snow during the previous day's blizzard. (Photo by David A. Rogers/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
Press Herald via Getty Images
Dan Littlefield of Campe Ellis attempts to clear snow from his car Sunday morning, March 14, 1993, in Saco, Maine. "There was a car around here somewhere," he joked. The Portland Jetport received 17 inches of new snow during the previous day's blizzard.
AP
In this March 14, 1993, file photo, cousins Allen, bottom, and Lauren Haywood, middle, and Aubrey Parsons, all from Washington, take advantage of the snowy hill in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Dubbed the "Storm of the Century," the intense 1993 storm produced tremendous amounts of snow from Tennessee to the Canadian border, with many locations breaking snowfall records.
AP
Morning commuters negotiate their way over one of many walls of ice and snow that blocked street corners in New York's midtown Manhattan on March 15, 1993. Most of the secondary streets throughout the city were impassable from several inches of snow and ice.
AP
A homeless man wraps what clothes he has on around himself as he walks along Manhattan's Sixth Avenue after a winter storm brought the city to a standstill, March 14, 1993. Wind-driven snow blanketed the city and its suburbs closing airports, cutting off transportation systems and leaving midtown Manhattan mostly deserted.
AP
People walk past Radio City Music Hall along a snow covered street in New York on Jan. 7, 1996. A blizzard roared into the metropolitan area, dumping up to 2 inches of snow an hour that closed LaGuardia, Kennedy and Newark airports.
Boston Globe via Getty Images
Boston's City Hall Plaza saw only a few people passing through in the snow, as a blizzard caused a shut down of the city, Jan. 8, 1996.
Boston Globe via Getty Images
A man pulls children on a sled through Copley Square in Boston, Massachusetts, during a snowstorm, Jan. 8, 1996.
AP
In this Jan. 8, 1996, file photo, two cars remain buried in the snow as pedestrians walk on 21st Street in Philadelphia. A widespread blanket of 2 to 3 feet of snow fell from the Mid-Atlantic states to New England, including 30.7 inches in Philadelphia, the city's highest on record.
NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
Trucks and a payloader dump snow into the frozen Schuylkill River, Jan. 9, 1996, as Philadelphia tries to dig out from a blizzard.
AP
In this Jan. 25, 2005, file photo, Sam Germaine, of Hull, Massachusetts, surveys ice formations on houses along the oceanfront, in Hull. The 2005 storm brought up to 3 feet of snow in southern New England, including 22.5 inches in Boston. Some areas around the city reported snowfall rates of 3 to 5 inches per hour and wind gusts up to 85 mph, leading to white-out conditions.
Boston Globe via Getty Images
Long-term parked vehicles at Logan Airport sit in snow plowed lanes on Jan. 24, 2005, after heavy blizzard snowfall hit the area.
Getty Images
Pedestrians work their way across the street during white-out conditions along the lakefront, Jan. 22, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois.
AP
In this Jan. 22, 2005, file photo, workers clear snow from the the Philadelphia Eagles' home field during a winter storm in preparation for the NFC championship game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Getty Images
John Long of Portland, Maine, enjoyed the snow Sunday morning as he walked along Baxter Blvd. in Portland, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005. The magnitude of the storm did not seem to overly impress him as he said, "it is what it is."
Getty Images
A man waits for a taxi as a security guard walks past outside Penn Station, Jan. 22, 2005, in New York City.
AP
In this Feb. 17, 2003, file photo, Francis Miller shovels snow from his sidewalk into the street after a winter storm dumped two feet of snow in the area, in Baltimore. This storm on Presidents' Day weekend paralyzed an swath of the Northeast from Washington to Boston, producing the latter city's heaviest snowfall on record, a whopping 27.6 inches. The Baltimore area suffered the most, as more than 3 feet fell north of the city.
NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
On the morning after the Blizzard of '03 dumped nearly 20 inches of snow on the city, a snowman with a low center of gravity is a memento of the storm on Seventh Ave. between 46th and 47th Streets, Feb. 18, 2003.
AP
In this Feb. 18, 2003, file photo, heavy seas crash against the Humarock section of Scituate, Massachusetts, during the noontime high tide on the day after a big winter storm dumped about two feet of snow in the Boston area.
Boston Globe via Getty Images
Sales people, general managers and even the owners at Expressway Motors Inc. in Dorchester, Massachusetts, had to clean and move automobiles since 7 a.m. at the auto dealership lot to clear them from snow left by the blizzard of February 2003. It was a tough President's Day for most Boston-area auto dealers.
AP
In this Feb. 17, 2003, file photo, a woman walks through snow that has fallen onto the subway platform from overhead street grates in the Queens borough of New York. The worst blizzard to hit the mid-Atlantic and central Appalachian states in seven years shut down much of the region on Presidents Day with windblown snow that piled up as much as 4 feet deep, halting air and some rail travel and causing several deaths.
Darren McCollester/Getty Images
A woman walks along deserted Boylston Street on Feb. 12, 2006, in the Back Bay in Boston, Massachusetts. A major nor'easter hit the Bay State, dumping over a foot of snow in near blizzard conditions.
Tom Herde/Boston Globe via Getty Images
An adventurous couple walk along the sidewalk at Nantasket Beach during white-out conditions as blizzard raged on Feb. 12, 2006.
Ramin Talaie/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A man makes his way down Fifth Avenue on skis during a heavy blizzard Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006, in New York City. The U.S. Northeast's first major snowstorm of the season descended on the region today, causing flight cancellations and power outages from Virginia to Massachusetts.
Hundreds of businesses closed, telling people to stay home. People appeared to heed warnings as traffic was significantly less than a normal Wednesday.
In Quakertown, despite the accumulating snow, locals still visit their favorite hot spot, “Sines 5 & 10.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf declared a State of Emergency for many eastern counties, including Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh and Philadelphia. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency for all of New Jersey.
"If you really don't have to travel, don't," Wolf said.
The focus of the emergency is northern New Jersey but Murphy wants all residents to be prepared with tips from the Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) and asked drivers to stay off roads. The declaration allows NJOEM to employ resources and police to needed areas (NJOEM has more on what it means to you). NJOEM closed all state offices for Wednesday.
Many municipalities declared snow emergencies. In Philadelphia, that meant no trash pickup Wednesday and cars had to be moved from snow emergency routes. Check with your specific town for what it may mean for you.
Speed limits on many area highways were lowered. Restrictions were later lifted however on I-76 and 276, the mainline East-West turnpike between Harrisburg East and the Mid-County Interchange, Interstate 476, and the entire Northeast Extension, Interstate 476. For real time information on Pennsylvania's roads, check out 511Pa.com.
Got a Flight?
If you are planning to fly out of Philadelphia Wednesday or Thursday, check with your airline because some airlines have canceled flights. Other flights were taking off after de-icing. Airlines issued travel waivers allowing travelers to re-book without penalty.
No School
Concerned about the well-being of students and staff, the Philadelphia School District and Archdiocese of Philadelphia canceled school Wednesday but will open on a two-hour delay Thursday. Check here for school closings across the area.
Power Problems
Power outages are a big concern due to a combination of the heavy, wet snow as well as 25 to 35 mph winds and gusts up to 40 mph that could bring down tree branches and power lines, creating more power outages.
Some of those outages are left over from Friday's nor'easter. PECO says their priority is to get people who have been in the dark longest online first.
Don't get left in the dark. Rely on the FREE NBC10 app for instant updates and breaking news. Download here.
Still Reeling
This new storm came less than a week after a storm packing winds of 60-plus mph knocked out power to more than half a million customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. That powerful winter storm stunned commuters during the Friday afternoon rush hour, as colder-than-expected temperatures caused unexpectedly sloppy road conditions. The slippery surfaces combined with many falling trees to create gridlock seemingly everywhere for hours.
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Need a way to forget about all that nasty winter weather? Head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center where spring is in full bloom thanks to the 2018 annual Philadelphia Flower Show. This year's theme: The interplay between horticulture and water. Here's a look inside this year's show.
Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
People feed butterflies at the Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
People feed butterflies at the Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
People feed butterflies at the Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
People feed butterflies at the Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
People feed butterflies at the Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
Joseph Kaczmarek
3-year-old Eloise Margerum feeds a butterfly at the Philadelphia Flower Show, Friday March 2, 2018, in Philadelphia. NBC10 Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek
