As citizens gear up for the winter months, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Winter Outlook brings a mix of news for Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic states. The forecast anticipates warmer-than-average temperatures, thanks to a gradually forming La Nina weather pattern, according to the city's official website. However, when it comes to precipitation, the certainty dissipates with equal chances of above, below, and near normal precipitation levels, which historically average out to 9.85 inches for the winter season.
The city is not just watching the skies but actively preparing, as the infrastructure staff responsible for the city’s Winter Weather Plan conducted a workshop with dozens of partners to coordinate response efforts, providing residents with essential information on how to tackle the season's threats. From the National Weather Service’s improved forecasting tools to the Philadelphia Department of Streets' protocol for snow accumulation, each department has fine-tuned its strategies for winter preparedness. This information, detailed on the city's official website, includes the consolidation and simplification of NOAA’s cold weather products for better public comprehension and the preparedness measures from PECO, the city's power utility company, to preclude and address potential power outages.
With 2,575 miles of roads to maintain, the Philadelphia Department of Streets is vigilant about icy conditions. The department has the authority to declare a Snow Emergency, mandating that vehicles be removed from designated routes to facilitate snow plowing. PECO, on its part, provides a convenient mobile app for reporting and tracking outages and implores residents to call their emergency line in case a fallen tree entangles with electrical wires.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Water Department remains on high alert for possible water main breaks, a common occurrence owing to the season's biting cold, with over 330 incidents responded to last winter. A critical point of contact for the community, the Water Department encourages residents to report any disruptions in water service. Similar vigilance is upheld by the Office of Homeless Services, which may declare a Code Blue to assist vulnerable populations, and the Philadelphia Fire Department, which emphasizes the importance of safe heating practices in homes, a notable cause of winter fires.
The elements bring not just cold but also the risk of flooding. The Philadelphia Police Department is prepared to close flooded roads and urges the public to heed warnings, avoiding the dangerous act of driving or walking through floodwaters. The Office of Emergency Management maintains open communication, issuing alerts and coordinating severe weather responses with stakeholders. Citizens can access detailed information by signing up for ReadyPhiladelphia alerts, available in multiple languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).
