PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A wintry mix is expected to hit the Philadelphia region this weekend, and it could bring some power outages, downed cables and messy road conditions.
A Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect at 3 p.m. Friday and last through Saturday morning. Snow is expected to move in around 5 p.m. and will transition into sleet overnight. The storm will peter out into light rain early Saturday, around 1 a.m., and the rest of the day will be mostly cloudy, with highs in the low 30s. Philadelphia could get up to 3 inches of snow.
As with any storm, it’s good to be prepared. Officials with PSEG recommend phones, tablets and power banks be charged in case of a power outage. If you’re operating any life-sustaining equipment in your home, be sure to report it to your energy provider.
When it comes to staying warm, PSEG said you should never use a gas range to heat a room, because you’re risking carbon monoxide poisoning. Space heaters should be plugged into the wall and kept at least 3 feet away from flammable objects. Report gas odors immediately, and keep outdoor pipes away from snow and ice accumulation.
Stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires—they should be considered live and dangerous. Report them immediately to your energy company or call 911. You can report power outages online, through your energy company’s app, or by calling or texting them. PSEG said it’s scheduling additional staff and crews to handle outages. And, make sure there’s easy access to your home and outdoor gas meters.
❄️Winter driver checklist❄️
✔ Start with a full tank of gas.
✔ Bring along a collapsible shovel and a bag of salt or kitty litter.
✔ Allow for extra time.
✔ Slow down.
✔ Increase following distances.
✔ Pay attention to on-ramps and off-ramps.