Philadelphia faces winter storm, schools close and snow accumulates
- The Philadelphia area is experiencing significant winter weather with a storm that has resulted in school closures and delays.
- Philadelphia International Airport recorded approximately 2.6 inches of snow this morning, while surrounding areas experienced higher totals.
- Many communities are preparing for additional winter storms later this week, underscoring the challenges posed by unpredictable winter weather.
On February 12, 2025, winter weather hit the Philadelphia region, resulting in significant snowfall and school closures. The National Weather Service had already issued warnings of expected heavy snow, with various parts of the region receiving accumulations between two to eight inches overnight. The storm particularly affected southern areas including South Jersey and Delaware, while the city itself reported an accumulation of 2.6 inches at Philadelphia International Airport early that morning. The storm was part of a series of winter weather events that were forecasted over the week. In anticipation of the winter storm, many school districts began accommodating the weather conditions by announcing delayed openings or closures for the day. The School District of Philadelphia implemented a two-hour delay to ensure safety for students and staff. In addition to local impacts, surrounding counties such as Delaware, eastern Montgomery, and Chester were included in a winter weather advisory to prepare residents for potential hazardous conditions. The cautionary measures taken aimed to mitigate disruptions caused by both school cancellations and travel difficulties. Following this morning's snow accumulation, many areas prepared for a second storm that was expected to arrive later that night. While the first storm left a significant wet layer of snow, forecasted warmer temperatures were predicted to create a mix of rain and wintry precipitation, likely minimizing additional snow accumulation within the city itself. Reports indicated that the South Jersey regions would continue to see heavier snowfall, particularly in places like Galloway Township and Cape May, emphasizing the uneven impact across the area. As Philadelphia and its surrounding regions experienced their first major winter storm of the week, municipalities and families alike braced for more winter weather to come, leading to anticipated challenges in daily life. The sequence of storms reminded residents of the unpredictable nature of winter in the Northeast United States, leading to a cautious approach in planning commutes, school schedules, and community activities in the days ahead.