Philly's Slippery Surprise: Snow, Sleet, and Rain Mix-Up

Philadelphia experienced a dramatic weather shift on Friday, transitioning from a white Christmas-less period to a mix of snow, sleet, and rain. The wintry mix began in the afternoon and persisted until Saturday morning, leading to hazardous road conditions and cleanup challenges.

A Forecast of Everything

The weather forecast was unpredictable, with snow initially falling, followed by sleet, and finally rain overnight. Temperatures plummeted to around 30 degrees, exacerbating the slippery conditions. Meteorologist Ray Martin from the National Weather Service cautioned that although the snowfall wouldn't be heavy, it would still pose significant dangers.

Regional Variations

• South and East of Philadelphia: Mostly rain.
• Near the Delaware River: Icy conditions expected.
• North of I-78: Higher likelihood of snow, with central and northern New Jersey receiving 5 to 8 inches.
• Philadelphia: Expected to get 1 to 3 inches, primarily as sleet.

Sleet vs. Snow

Sleet, described as compact ice balls, is more challenging to shovel than snow. Martin likened it to shoveling sand, a less than pleasant task. Drivers were advised to exercise caution due to slippery roads and avoid driving until Saturday mid-morning when temperatures were anticipated to rise above freezing.

Travel Disruptions

The storm caused significant travel disruptions:

• PennDot reduced speed limits on major highways.
• The city's office of emergency management issued alerts for drivers to be cautious.
• New Jersey's acting Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay off the roads unless necessary.
• Philadelphia International Airport experienced numerous flight delays and cancellations.

Historical Context

This storm occurred as Philadelphia prepared to commemorate the massive snowfall of 1996, which dumped 30.7 inches in just two days. So far this season, the city has already seen more snow than last winter. The current total stands at 4.2 inches, compared to just 8.1 inches for the entire 2024-25 winter.