A portion of Interstate 78 East in Hellertown, Northampton County was closed Wednesday due to tractor-trailer crash. Slippery road conditions are slowing drivers and becoming dangerous.
Crash Stops Traffic on Snowy I-78
'Sines' of a Good Snow Day
In Quakertown, despite the accumulating snow, locals still visit their favorite hot spot, "Sines 5 & 10."
Treacherous Travel Begins on Sidewalks
At 30th Street Station trains are running (sometimes late) but its a race against heavy snow to keep sidewalks and the roads outside clear.
Lights Out: Power Outages Cripple Region
At least 15,000 PECO customers have lost power as a late winter storm pounded the region.
Almost half - approximately 7,000 - have been without power since last week's storm. PECO said it is attempting to get those customers back up and running first.
Thousands of other residents are also in the dark as their utility companies lose power.
NBC10 will update the list throughout the day:
PECO
Bucks-786
Chester- 1,401
Delco - 5,499
Montco - 8,121
Philly - 1,319
PPL
Bucks - 28
Chester - 30
Lehigh - 330
Montco - 2
Northampton - 119
Delmarva
New Castle - 873
AC Electric
Atlantic - 5
Cumberland - 10
Gloucester - 208
Salem - 173
PSEG
Camden - 30
Mercer - 136
Photo Credit: Jody Allen Evangeliata
How Much Has Fallen by You: Snow Totals
Snow fell across the region Wednesday, dropping inches of snow on many neighborhoods. Take a look at the snow totals across the area. (This article will be updated with the latest snow totals as we get them from the National Weather Service.)
Location Snow Total (Inches) Time of Measurement
PENNSYLVANIA
...Berks County...
Huffs Church 4.7 1030 AM
Bechtelsville 3.0 817 AM
5 SW Alburtis 3.0 700 AM
2 WNW New Morgan 3.0 830 AM
2 ESE Fleetwood 2.4 812 AM
3 SSW Mohnton 2.4 800 AM
5 WSW Reading 1.3 800 AM
4 SW Reading 0.3 700 AM
...Bucks County...
Coopersburg 4.5 1106 AM
Springtown 3.1 720 AM
Richboro 3.0 1011 AM
Trevose 1.8 1040 AM
Perkasie 1.7 806 AM
3 NNE Langhorne 1.1 700 AM
Penndel 1.0 700 AM
Washington Cross 1.0 730 AM
...Carbon County...
Lower Towamensing Twp. 1.0 800 AM
Jim Thorpe 0.8 700 AM
... Chester County...
East Nantmeal Tw 7.5 1040 AM
West Caln Twp 6.3 1000 AM
Coatesville 5.0 1048 AM
Downingtown 5.0 950 AM
Uwchlan Twp 4.3 938 AM
Exton 4.0 635 AM
West Chester 4.0 1041 AM
Glenmoore 3.8 700 AM
1 SSW East Nantmeal 3.8 700 AM
3 W West Grove 3.4 700 AM
3 SW Chads Ford 3.0 700 AM
4 NNE Kennett Square 3.0 712 AM
Pughtown 2.9 700 AM
Nottingham 2.8 402 AM
3 NE Chester Springs 2.5 700 AM
1 S Glen Roy 2.5 700 AM
2 SSE West Chester 2.5 700 AM
Chester Springs 2.1 402 AM
Berwyn 2.0 730 AM
East Coventry Twp 2.0 1043 AM
Malvern 1.5 132 AM
Devault 1.1 139 AM
Atglen 0.3 1130 PM
...Delaware County...
Chadds Ford 4.7 1030 AM
Thornton 4.2 900 AM
Clifton Heights 3.1 700 AM
Ridley Twp 3.0 141 AM
Radnor Township 2.8 1100 AM
Aston Twp 1.8 1243 AM
...Lehigh County...
1 ESE Neffs 0.6 829 AM
3 SW Schnecksville 0.5 700 AM
Lehigh Valley Intl A 0.1 700 AM
...Monroe County...
Pocono Summit 2.5 730 AM
Tobyhanna 2.0 811 AM
Bartonsville 1.8 730 AM
Gilbert 1.0 600 AM
Long Pond 1.0 428 AM
...Montgomery County...
Eagleville 4.1 1050 AM
1 W Limerick 3.2 710 AM
Wynnewood 3.0 800 AM
3 NNE Schwenksville 2.7 700 AM
2 WSW Schwenksville 2.3 800 AM
Haverford 2.0 1239 AM
Gilbertsville 2.0 700 AM
3 SW Lansdale 1.8 900 AM
North Wales 1.7 800 AM
2 E Schwenksville 1.7 700 AM
Pottstown 1.5 1008 AM
3 ESE Skippack 1.5 700 AM
Site 2 1.0 700 AM
Pennsburg 1.0 750 AM
Wyncote 1.0 715 AM
1 WSW North Wales 1.0 630 AM
...Philadelphia County...
Fox Chase 1.0 730 AM
Rockledge SE 1.0 730 AM
Philadelphia Intl Ai 0.8 700 AM
DELAWARE
...Kent County...
Smyrna 2.0 1241 AM
1 WSW Clayton 2.0 700 AM
W Dover 0.4 1127 PM
...New Castle County...
Bear 3.4 955 AM
2 WNW Glasgow 3.0 700 AM
5 N Newark 3.0 700 AM
2 ESE Barksdale 2.5 705 AM
New Castle County Ai 2.4 700 AM
Greenville 2.2 238 AM
Newark 2.1 112 AM
Wilmington 2.1 100 AM
4 NNW Middletown 2.0 700 AM
2 E Pike Creek 1.8 500 AM
Blackbird 1.7 138 AM
5 NNW Wilmington 1.5 800 AM
Talleys Corner 1.4 133 AM
Glasgow 1.4 137 AM
2 NW Wilmington 1.3 809 AM
New Castle 1.1 137 AM
Hockessin 1.1 135 AM
Claymont 0.8 134 AM
Prices Corner 0.8 135 AM
NEW JERSEY
...Burlington County...
4 S Evesham 1.1 700 AM
Mount Holly WFO 0.7 700 AM
Mount Laurel 0.7 700 AM
Hainesport 0.6 700 AM
Cinnaminson Twp. 0.6 705 AM
...Camden County...
4 W Winslow Twp. 2.6 630 AM
Bellmawr 1.2 615 AM
Mount Ephraim 1.0 706 AM
...Gloucester County...
Mickleton 2.0 800 AM
4 WSW Turnersville 1.6 700 AM
1 WNW Turnersville 1.0 700 AM
Oak Valley 1.0 800 AM
...Hunterdon County...
4 NNW Stockton 2.5 700 AM
3 ESE Alpha 2.4 715 AM
3 SW Hampton 2.3 700 AM
3 ENE High Bridge 2.0 700 AM
4 NE High Bridge 1.9 800 AM
2 W Cloverhill 1.0 900 AM
Flemington 1.0 945 AM
3 E Flemington 1.0 758 AM
Readington Twp. 0.5 700 AM
Frenchtown 0.5 700 AM
2 SSE Annandale 0.5 700 AM
4 WNW Cloverhill 0.3 630 AM
...Mercer County...
Ewing Twp. 0.7 715 AM
2 W Hightstown 0.6 700 AM
2 SSW Lawrence Twp. 0.5 615 AM
4 NE Trenton 0.4 700 AM
1 NE Washington Cross 0.2 616 AM
2 NW Hopewell Twp. 0.2 700 AM
1 NE Washington Cros 0.2 616 AM
...Sussex...
Stillwater 5.6 141 PM
Photo Credit: NBC10
YOUR PHOTOS: 2nd March Nor'easter Strikes Philly Region
Photo Credit: Alex Meyer
Beware of Scams After the Storm
It's bad enough that many homeowners are dealing with damage from back-to-back winter storms.
Now, the Pennsylvania attorney general warns that they could fall prey to scammers, too.
Josh Shapiro says his office often gets complaints from the public about scammers after storms and snowfalls -- including reports of fraudulent home repair schemes, snow plow operators, tree removal operators, government loan schemes and disaster-related fundraisers.
"People whose homes have been damaged by a storm may be looking for speedy repairs, but it’s important to do your due diligence and research the contractor you’re considering before you agree to the work," Shapiro said.
He warned consumers to watch for unsolicited door-to-door sales pitches, particularly from people who say they were "in the neighborhood."
Another red flag: requests for large up-front payments. If a project costs more than $5,000, state law prohibits contractors from asking for more than one-third of the cost up front.
He also warned against high-pressure sales pitches and contractors who don't give a written estimate.
In Pennsylvania, contractors are required to provide consumers with the following information, Shapiro said: the contractor’s registration number, which must be included in all contracts, estimates and advertisements; a written contract for any project costing more than $500; total sales price, and a starting and ending date for the project.
Also, consumers have the right to cancel any home improvement contract within three days, and contractors are required to tell consumers that.
Shapiro's office has a help line for consumers who have questions: 1-800-441-2555. And if you need to file a complaint, you can do so here.
Lightning, Thunder & Snow? Yes, That's a Thing
No, your eyes weren't deceiving you. Lightning did strike in New Jersey this afternoon as snow, rain and wind whipped through the region.
The second nor'easter to pummel our area brought with it a rare weather phenomenon: thundersnow.
It sounds like something out of a superhero story. But thundersnow is really just a "thunderstorm in winter conditions," explained NBC10 First Alert Chief Meteorologist Tammie Souza.
"Instead of a quick burst of heavy rain that you would get, you get a quick burst of extremely heavy snow - maybe 2 or 3 inches an hour," she added. "You get the lightning, you get the thunder and you might get some gusty winds."
Wednesday's storm produced the first clap of thundersnow this year. Last week's storm did not.
Did you see lightning today? Send us your photos!
Photo Credit: Paul Shelkin
Teacher Struck by Lightning at NJ Middle School
A teacher was struck by lightning at an Ocean County, New Jersey middle school Wednesday.
The teacher was on bus duty at Manchester Township Middle School on 2759 Ridgeway Road in Manchester Township when she was struck by lightning, according to police.
The woman was taken to the hospital and is currently in stable condition.
While Wednesday’s nor’easter brought snow and wind to most of the region, it also brought rain, lightning and a rare weather phenomenon known as thundersnow to other parts of the area.
There were reports of lightning throughout South Jersey during the day.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
College Women's Basketball Players Push Stuck Bus in Philly
The Northeastern women's basketball team would not be deterred by the nor'easter at the CAA tournament in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
After practicing at St. Joseph's University, a Northeastern spokesperson says the team bus lost traction and got stuck on a hill just blocks from their hotel.
The team offered to get out of the bus and push it back on course, and the driver agreed.
"They raced off the bus to help push, got it moving a couple of feet and around the bend, off the hill," the spokesperson told NBC10 Boston.
The bus continued slowly and the team made it back to the hotel safely.
Northeastern plays Delaware Thursday night at 2:30 p.m. in the CAA quarterfinals.
Photo Credit: @GoNUwbasketball
Nor'easter Brings Flooding at Jersey Shore, Crashes Inland
At the Jersey Shore, the coast was slammed by rain, snow and coastal flooding. City officials are now worried about beach erosion as the nor'easter moves out.
Arrest Made in DUI Hit-&-Run That Injured Mom, 2 Daughters
A driver accused of crashing into two young girls and their mother and then fleeing the scene in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia is now in custody.
Zachary Lauer, 31, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault while DUI, recklessly endangering the welfare of children and other related offenses.
Police say Lauer was driving a 1999 Honda Prelude on Rowland Avenue Tuesday around 6:45 p.m. when he went onto the sidewalk and struck a 35-year-old woman and her two daughters, ages three and four, as well as a fence. Lauer then left his vehicle and fled, leaving his vehicle behind while the 3-year-old girl was underneath it, investigators said.
Several bystanders lifted the vehicle and pulled the 3-year-old girl out. The girl, along with her sister and mother were all taken to Aria-Torresdale Hospital. The 3-year-old girl suffered burns to her body and is in critical condition. Both the girl's mother and sister suffered minor scrapes and pains and are both in stable condition.
Police identified Lauer as the hit-and-run driver and arrested him Wednesday. They continue to investigate the incident.
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Braving Heavy Snow for Cracker Barrel
Hamilton Township was slammed with heavy, wet snow during Wednesday's nor'easter, but that didn't stop some people from heading out to get lunch at Cracker Barrel.
Storm Moves Out: 195K Without Power, Freezing Threat
More than 195,000 customers are without power and an overnight freezing threat remains after the region's second nor'easter in less than a week dumped up to a foot of snow in parts of our area, caused hundreds of accidents that left drivers stranded for hours, and hospitalized a New Jersey teacher after she was struck by lightning during thundersnow.
As of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, 195,886 power outages were reported in our area. The heavy, wet snow combined with 25 to 35 mph winds and gusts up to 40 mph to bring down branches and power lines throughout the region. Some of those outages were also left over from Friday’s storm.
Don't get left in the dark. Rely on the FREE NBC10 app for instant updates and breaking news. Download here.
The snow began moving out around 5 p.m. Wednesday and should be gone completely by 8 p.m. Temperatures will remain below freezing overnight and there won’t be much melting. Use caution if you’re heading out Thursday morning due to possible slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks. Thursday will be windy and chilly with a brief snow shower possible. Highs will only be in the upper 30s.
Hundreds of schools were closed Wednesday and many could remain closed or delayed Thursday as the region recovers. All Archdiocesan high schools and parochial elementary schools in the city of Philadelphia will open on a two-hour delay Thursday. The Philadelphia School District has not yet made an announcement. Check here for school closings and delays.
If you are planning to fly out of Philadelphia Thursday, check to make sure your flight hasn’t been canceled.
The storm moved in Tuesday night and continued overnight into Wednesday morning. It reached its peak midday with heavy periods of snow, low visibility, thundersnow and lightning that injured at least one woman.
The storm also caused hundreds of crashes and disabled vehicles throughout the area as vehicles were stranded on both major roads and backroads. Drivers heading west on the Schuylkill Expressway were stuck in traffic for more than three hours after two trucks jackknifed.
The highest snow totals were seen in Broomall, Delaware County with up to a foot. Lower Makefield Township in Bucks County had 10.5 inches while Greenville in New Castle County had 10.4 inches.
Stay with the NBC10 First Alert Weather team for the latest weather updates.
Photo Credit: Brynne Avila
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Race to Clean Up, Restore Power Ahead of Next Nor'easter
Five days after the first nor'easter slammed our region, crews are still working to remove downed trees and power lines and restore power. The race is now on ahead of a second nor'easter expected Wednesday.
Photo Credit: NBC10
Winter Storm Leaves Slippery Roads, Sidewalks
Wednesday's winter storm's impact continued into Thursday where icy roads and sidewalks made for a slippery morning commute.
Photo Credit: NBC10 - Matt DeLucia
Catch Up Quickly: Arrest Made in DUI Hit-And-Run
Here are the top news stories you need to know to start your day from your friends at NBC10.
TODAY'S TOP STORY
126K Without Power as Storm Moves Out: More than 126,000 customers are without power and an overnight freezing threat remains after the region's second nor'easter in less than a week dumped more than a foot of snow in parts of our area, caused hundreds of accidents that left drivers stranded for hours, and hospitalized a New Jersey teacher after she was struck by lightning during thundersnow. As of 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, 126,436 power outages were reported in our area. The heavy, wet snow combined with 25 to 35 mph winds and gusts up to 40 mph to bring down branches and power lines throughout the region. Some of those outages were also left over from Friday’s storm. The snow began moving out around 5 p.m. Wednesday and was gone completely by 8 p.m. Temperatures will remain below freezing overnight and there won’t be much melting. Use caution if you’re heading out Thursday morning due to possible slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks. Thursday will be windy and chilly with a brief snow shower possible. Highs will only be in the upper 30s.
WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY
Arrest Made in DUI Hit-And-Run that Injured Mom, 2 Daughters: A driver accused of crashing into two young girls and their mother and then fleeing the scene in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia is now in custody. Zachary Lauer, 31, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault while DUI, recklessly endangering the welfare of children and other related offenses. Police say Lauer was driving a 1999 Honda Prelude on Rowland Avenue Tuesday around 6:45 p.m. when he went onto the sidewalk and struck a 35-year-old woman and her two daughters, ages three and four, as well as a fence. Lauer then left his vehicle and fled, leaving his vehicle behind while the 3-year-old girl was underneath it, investigators said. Several bystanders lifted the vehicle and pulled the 3-year-old girl out. The girl, along with her sister and mother were all taken to Aria-Torresdale Hospital. The 3-year-old girl suffered burns to her body and is in critical condition. Both the girl's mother and sister suffered minor scrapes and pains and are both in stable condition. Police identified Lauer as the hit-and-run driver and arrested him Wednesday. They continue to investigate the incident.
YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST
Thursday is expected to be windy and chilly with temperatures in the 30s. Light snow flurries are possible for Friday but temperatures are expected to be in the 40s. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be partly sunny with temperatures in the 40s. But Sunday could see another storm into Monday. Monday is expected to be windy and could see some snow. Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.
Teacher Struck by Lightning Outside School During Storm: A teacher was struck by lightning outside an Ocean County, New Jersey middle school during a rare weather phenomenon known as thundersnow. The 33-year-old woman is an 8th grade teacher at Manchester Middle School in Manchester Township. She was tending to bus duty outside the school's building on Ridgeway Road around 2:30 p.m. as the school was preparing for dismissal when the umbrella she was holding was struck by lightning, Manchester Township Police said. She was standing on the sidewalk in front of the school with other staff members when the strike occurred. The teacher, who was alert and conscious, was first taken to the school nurse's office. She said she felt a tingling in her hand and arm and was taken to the Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. There were reports of thundersnow in Manchester Township around the same time the lightning struck, according to NBC10 First Alert Weather chief meteorologist Tammie Souza. There were more than 30 reports of lightning strikes across the region as a major March nor'easter battered towns in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware on Wednesday.
AROUND THE WORLD
NYPD: We Have Considerable Evidence in Weinstein Rape Case: The NYPD's top detective says the department has gathered considerable evidence in the rape investigation of Harvey Weinstein. But it's up to the district attorney whether the case makes it to a grand jury. Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told reporters Wednesday that investigators have been working diligently with women who made allegations in the fall that they were raped by Weinstein. He says witnesses are prepared to go before a grand jury which would decide whether to indict. "We are still accumulating evidence," he said. It’s going very, very well. We have people who are getting ready to go to the grand jury."
That's what you need to know to Catch Up Quickly, but we've got more stories worthy of your time. Click here to check them out.
Downed Trees, Wires Block Roads, Knock Out Power in Burlington County
Many are trying to get back on track after Wednesdays winter storm left messy roads, downed trees and power outages. Medford, New Jersey was especially hard hit.
Target Recalls Girls Studded Jeans Due to Laceration Hazard
Target has issued a recall on a pair of girls skinny jeans due to reports of skin cuts and lacerations.
The Cat & Jack Girls' Star Studded Jeans from apparel manufacture Topson Downs were sold exclusively at the discount retailer's stores nationwide and online between September 2017 and November 2017 for $18.
The jeans were sold in sizes 4 to 18P and have metal stars on the front bottom of the legs. The words “Super Skinny” are printed inside the waistband of the recalled jeans and the attached hangtag has one of the following numbers at the top: 205-03-1377 to 205-03-1392.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Target has received six reports of the metal stars embellished around the bottom of the pants detaching and causing lacerations. Target is recalling 30,000 pairs of jeans.
Customers are advised to immediately stop wearing the recalled jeans and return them to any Target store nationwide for a full refund.
For more information call Target's customer service center at 800-440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT daily, or online at www.target.com and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page, then on “Clothing” for more information.
Photo Credit: cpsc.gov
Nor'easter Sends Branch Through the Skylight at NJ Home
A branch weighted down by heavy snow during Wednesday's nor'easter crashed through the skylight of a Burlington County home. The hole in the roof remained Thursday morning, just one of a slew of storm damage in South Jersey.