Ice Storm in Pennsylvania, January 28, 1998

The northern fringe of the precipitation associated with an intense northeaster that moved eastnortheast off the Virginia coast affected the northwest Philadelphia suburbs through the morning commute and most of the daylight hours on the 28th. Precipitation fell as a mixture of rain, freezing rain and sleet in the lower parts of the county and mainly as freezing rain in the upper parts of the county. Storm totals were around one-quarter of an inch water equivalent. Air temperatures were very close to the freezing mark and this prevented most roadways from becoming very treacherous. But ice began to accrue onto bridges, overpasses, trees and power lines. The ice on exposed surfaces coupled with northeast winds gusting between 30 and 40 mph brought down tree limbs and consequently power lines. About 10,000 PECO customers lost power. Traveling was hazardous on untreated bridges and overpasses.