Philadelphia area breaks nearly 2-year drought with over 1 inch of snow after 715 days

Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Philadelphia area breaks record snow drought after 715 days
The snow drought in the Philadelphia region finally came to an end on Monday night.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The snow drought in the Philadelphia region finally came to an end after 715 days.

More than 1" of snow fell Monday night into Tuesday, breaking the nearly two-year record.

One woman in South Philadelphia took in the snow accumulation and made a snow angel!

Philadelphian makes snow angel

A viewer also captured another sight we haven't seen in a while -- snowball fight! The friendly exchange took place in University City between paramedics and Drexel students.

A viewer recorded the friendly exchange between paramedics and Drexel students in University City Monday night after Philadelphia ended its snow drought.

January 29, 2022, was the last time the city had over 1" of snow. In November, Philadelphia's measurable snowfall drought hit a record, marking the longest streak on record.

Snow totals across the Delaware Valley range from just under 2" to over 3" in some areas.

As of 12 p.m. Tuesday, Meteorologist Brittany Boyer says Philadelphia has recorded 3.3" of snow.

"Weak storm, but we'll take it," Meteorologist Adam Joseph wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The snow will contribute to a slippery Tuesday commute with some snow still on the roadways throughout the day. Boyer says anything untreated or slushy will likely freeze Tuesday night as temperatures drop into the teens.

The Philadelphia Streets Department is also offering some reminders about the snow.

  • Remember to shovel a sidewalk path at least three feet wide within six hours of the end of the storm.
  • Pile the snow on the sidewalk along the curb.
  • Penalties for dumping snow in the street can range from $50 to $300.
  • Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains.
  • Also, trash and recycling collections are already on a holiday schedule this week. Pickup is one day later than normal.

The snow is expected to wrap up by mid-afternoon Tuesday. Then, there is another snow chance later in the week on Friday.