Winter Storm and High Wind in Pennsylvania, March 2, 2018

Name: Winter Storm and High Wind in Pennsylvania, March 2, 2018
Start: 2018-03-02T05:00
End: 2018-03-02T21:00
Location: Pennsylvania

March 2, 2018 · NWS PHI · 25 events in 13 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 25 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 1
Injuries: 6
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 25

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS PHI wrote it up.

A cold front stalled across the region on March 1st. Meanwhile, a wave of low pressure developed along this front in the Ohio Valley and move eastward, explosively deepening just southeast of Long Island on March 2nd. This large and very deep area of low pressure moved slowly east over the open waters of the North Atlantic Ocean through Sunday March 4th. This led to a variety of weather hazards during this time frame.

Heavy rainfall occurred over eastern Pennsylvania on March 1st and 2nd, with widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches. Areal and minor small stream flooding occurred.

As the rain changed to snow on the 2nd, localized heavy snowfall occurred, particularly over the higher elevations. Southeast of Interstate 95, up to around 3 inches of snowfall was observed. To the northwest of Interstate 95, nearly 6 inches of snow was measured with localized amounts of around 9 inches. Higher elevations mainly to the north of Interstate 80 generally reported greater than 9 inches of snow, with amounts up to 24 inches above 2,000 feet.

On Friday night, March 2nd, Governor Tom Wolf activated the Pennsylvania National Guard to support local response to the storm.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 2, 4:54 AM EST, 6 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 2, 4:54 AM EST, 6 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
454 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
Low pressure off the New Jersey coast early this morning will
intensify rapidly as it moves slowly out to sea over the
weekend. High pressure will move into the area for the early
part of the new week. Another low will affect the region from
late Tuesday into Wednesday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
Weather conditions will be rough today into tonight in our
region. The warnings and advisories remain intact.

The center of the low was off the New Jersey coast early this
morning and it will continue to intensify as it moves out to
sea.

We have not made much change to the previous forecast.

Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2.5 inches are anticipated in
northern and central New Jersey and in the adjacent counties of
eastern Pennsylvania. Flood Warnings and Flood Advisories are
already being issued for parts of those areas.

Meanwhile, the rain was already changing to snow in the
elevated terrain of the Poconos. That process should continue in
our northern counties. The rain will continue to change to snow
in the higher elevations early this morning, then the
transition will work its way into the valleys as the day
progresses. We continue to expect 6 to 12 inches of heavy wet
snow above about 1000 feet with perhaps 2 to 4 inches in the
valleys. The Winter Storm Watch and Winter Weather Advisory
remain in place.

The strong storm will bring a 60+ knot low level jet over our
region (mainly the central and southern parts) for today. Wind
gusts around 50 to 60 mph are likely and the High Wind Warning
and the Wind Advisory will remain in effect. The strongest winds
should be this afternoon and this evening.

The circulation around the storm is expected to bring dry air
into our region from the north and northeast tonight. As a
result, the precipitation will come to an end overnight. The
wind is forecast to begin diminishing gradually overnight, as
well.

Highs today will be in the 30s and lower 40s. Lows tonight are
anticipated to be in the upper 20s and 30s.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH 6 PM SATURDAY/...
Saturday is forecast to be dry with the exception of perhaps a
few flurries in the far north. High clouds are expected to
remain overhead with an increase in stratocumulus during the
day.

The wind should be from the north northwest around 15 to 20 mph
with gusts of 25 to 30 mph. Highs are forecast to be mostly in
the 40s.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Fair weather will be across the area for Saturday night into
Tuesday. Temperatures will be within a few degrees of normal.
Highs mostly in the upper 40s and lows in the low 30s. Readings
across the north will be some five degrees cooler.

The operational models are showing diverse solutions with
regards to another system towards the middle of next week. The
GFS is showing a deep coastal storm with marginal rain/snow
temperatures for Wed and Wed night. The Canadian model has a
similar pattern, but much weaker with the low. The new Euro is
somewhere in between with much warmer temps for much of the
period. We inherited mostly high chc pops for these periods and
for now we will keep them as they are.

&&

.AVIATION /10Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
The following discussion is for KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG,
KILG, KMIV, KACY and surrounding areas.

Rest of tonight...Dry slot will temporarily cease the rain at
all sites except ABE and possibly TTN for a few hours late
tonight before rain will move back in from the north near
daybreak. Sub-VFR conditions should continue throughout the
period, but CIGs/VSBYs may become temporarily MVFR during the
lull. Winds will be backing from northeast to north or northwest
during the period, increasing to 10 to 15 kts by daybreak and
potentially gusty, especially at ILG. LLWS possible while winds
are predominantly northeasterly, but confidence is too low for
TAF inclusion. Moderate confidence in TAFs overall.

Friday...Prolonged sub-VFR likely and very strong north-
northwest winds virtually certain. Winds will peak late morning
through the afternoon from 25 to 35 kts with gusts 40-50+ kts.
Rain may mix with or change to snow at ABE/RDG by late morning
and the Philly terminals during the afternoon. Rapid and
unpredictable changes between the two types may occur, with very
quick changes in CIGs/VSBYs. Low confidence in
CIGs/VSBYs/precip type; moderate confidence in winds.

Friday night...Precipitation type may transition to light snow
at all sites before ending during the evening hours, with sub-
VFR continuing until precipitation ceases. CIGs/VSBYs will
become VFR thereafter. Very strong north/northwest winds 20 to
30 kts with gusts 35 to 45 kts. Moderate confidence.

OUTLOOK...
Saturday thru Tuesday...Mostly VFR. Gusty winds Sat/Sat night.

&&

.MARINE...
A strong storm off our coast will result in extremely hazardous
conditions for today and tonight. A northwest wind 30 to 40
knots will gust around 55 knots. Wave heights on our ocean
waters will build to 8 to 12 feet.

OUTLOOK...
Saturday...Storm warnings will convert to Gales. Sct. showers.

Sat night...Gale warnings. SCA for Delaware Bay.

Sunday thru Monday night...SCA conditions expected. Sub-SCA for
Delaware Bay.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Rain will persist into tonight.

As it rains, flooding will commence across low-lying and poor
drainage areas, as well as small fast-responding creeks.
February was a very wet month. Many locales picked up between
5.00 and 7.00 inches of rain. This is +75% of normal. As this
rainfall runs off into larger streams and rivers, rises will
occur. These rises will occur mainly tonight into Saturday.
Please refer to our AHPS page for the latest. Check back
frequently for updates.

As for the QPF, the highest amounts are still expected to
reside across the northern half of the HSA. Across southern NJ
and the Delmarva, 1.00 inch of rain or less is expected. Across
our central zones, 1.00- 2.00 inches are expected. Across our
northeastern zones, 1.50-2.50 inches are expected. The Raritan
and Passaic basins and portions of the Delaware basin will
experience the most rain.

A Flood Watch remains in effect from generally Philadelphia
northward, excluding the Poconos and Sussex County, NJ, where a
transition to snow will likely mitigate the flooding potential.

On a positive note, there is currently no snow on the ground or
no ice in the rivers across the HSA where rain is expected.
There should be this time of year. That said, we won't have any
snowmelt (SWE) adding to the rainfall/runoff nor any ice in our
waterways to jam. Persistent above normal rainfall, increasing
soil moisture, and high streamflows are driving this flooding
potential.

Heading into the weekend, we will also keep an eye on the lower
reaches of the Susquehanna, below Conowingo. Although there is
much less rain falling across this basin, flows remains high.
The crest, associated with this expected rainfall, should get to
Cecil county on Sunday.

Once again, please visit AHPS to see where our concerns
specifically lie.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect from Friday morning
through Saturday night as a major coastal storm impacts the
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Several rounds of tidal flooding is expected along the coasts
of New Jersey and Delaware, including Delaware Bay, starting
today and lasting through at least Saturday night. Widespread
minor with locally moderate flooding will develop with the high
tide cycles today, and then widespread moderate with locally
major flooding will occur with the high tide cycle Saturday
morning. The storm surge Saturday morning will be 2.5 to 3.0
feet. Based on the trajectory of the winds, which should be more
north to northwest at that time, the surge levels have come
down slightly from the previous forecast. Moderate flooding
should occur again with the Saturday evening high tide.

No tidal flooding is expected in Delaware River at this time,
but please pay close attention to the forecast through the
duration of the storm.

&&

.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Flood Watch through late tonight for PAZ061-062-071-103>106.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 11 AM this morning to 4 AM EST
     Saturday for PAZ062.
     High Wind Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 AM EST Saturday
     for PAZ060-061-070-071-101>106.
     Winter Storm Warning until 4 AM EST Saturday for PAZ054-055.
NJ...Flood Watch through late tonight for NJZ007>010-012>015-
     018>020-026-027.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 11 AM this morning to 4 AM EST
     Saturday for NJZ007-008.
     Wind Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 6 AM EST Saturday for
     NJZ009-010.
     Coastal Flood Warning until 2 AM EST Sunday for NJZ012>014-
     020>027.
     High Wind Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 AM EST Saturday
     for NJZ012>027.
     Winter Storm Warning until 4 AM EST Saturday for NJZ001.
DE...Coastal Flood Warning until 2 AM EST Sunday for DEZ002>004.
     High Wind Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 AM EST Saturday
     for DEZ001.
     High Wind Warning until 6 AM EST Saturday for DEZ002>004.
MD...High Wind Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 AM EST Saturday
     for MDZ008.
     High Wind Warning until 6 AM EST Saturday for MDZ012-015-019-
     020.
MARINE...Storm Warning until 6 AM EST Saturday for ANZ431-450>455.
     Storm Warning until 1 AM EST Saturday for ANZ430.

&&

Synopsis...Iovino
Near Term...Iovino
Short Term...Iovino
Long Term...O'Hara
Aviation...CMS/O'Hara
Marine...Iovino/O'Hara
Hydrology...Staff
Tides/Coastal Flooding...Staff

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 2, 4:20 AM EST, 40 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

DEZ001-MDZ008-NJZ016-017-PAZ060-070-101-102-030930-
New Castle-Cecil-Salem-Gloucester-Berks-Delaware-Western Chester-
Eastern Chester-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern Delaware, northeast
Maryland, southern New Jersey, east central Pennsylvania and
southeast Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NJZ007-008-PAZ062-030930-
Warren-Morris-Northampton-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM
EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New Jersey and east
central Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Winter Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NJZ015-018-019-PAZ061-071-103>106-030930-
Mercer-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Lehigh-Philadelphia-
Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-Lower Bucks-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New Jersey, southern
New Jersey, east central Pennsylvania and southeast Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MDZ012-015-019-020-030930-
Kent MD-Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NJZ001-PAZ054-055-030930-
Sussex-Carbon-Monroe-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New Jersey and
northeast Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NJZ009-010-030930-
Hunterdon-Somerset-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New Jersey and
northwest New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NJZ012>014-020-026-027-030930-
Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Ocean-Coastal Ocean-
Southeastern Burlington-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EST SUNDAY...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New Jersey, northern
New Jersey and southern New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Coastal Flood Warning.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Coastal Flood Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NJZ021>025-030930-
Cumberland-Atlantic-Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-
Coastal Atlantic-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EST SUNDAY...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Coastal Flood Warning.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Coastal Flood Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

DEZ002>004-030930-
Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EST SUNDAY...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Delaware and southern
Delaware.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Coastal Flood Warning.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Coastal Flood Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ANZ431-450>455-030930-
Delaware Bay waters south of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE-
Coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Little Egg Inlet to Great Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Great Egg Inlet to Cape May NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape May NJ to Cape Henlopen DE out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Henlopen to Fenwick Island DE out 20 nm-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters and
Delaware Bay Waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ANZ430-030930-
Delaware Bay waters north of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE-
420 AM EST Fri Mar 2 2018

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Delaware Bay Waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 2, 3:36 AM EST, 1 hour 24 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
336 AM EST FRI MAR 2 2018

DEZ001-NJZ016>019-021-022-PAZ070-071-101>106-020930-
New Castle-Salem-Camden-Atlantic-Northwestern
Burlington-Cumberland-Gloucester-Lower Bucks-Eastern
Montgomery-Western Chester-Philadelphia-Upper Bucks-Western
Montgomery-Delaware-Eastern Chester-
336 AM EST FRI MAR 2 2018

...A LINE OF SHOWERS WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN NEW CASTLE...NORTHERN
SALEM...CAMDEN...WEST CENTRAL ATLANTIC...NORTHWESTERN
BURLINGTON...BUCKS...NORTH CENTRAL CUMBERLAND...GLOUCESTER...
MONTGOMERY...CHESTER...PHILADELPHIA...AND DELAWARE COUNTIES...

At 332 AM EST, radar indicated a band of heavy rain located along a
line extending from near Schwenksville to Newtown Square to near
Beckett. Winds will become gusty along and behind this band
of rain. Movement was east at 20 mph.

Winds up to 50 mph are possible once this band of heavy rain passes.

Locations impacted include...
Philadelphia, Camden, Vineland, Gloucester City, Cherry Hill, Mount
Laurel, Norristown, Chester, Deptford, Voorhees, West Deptford,
Glassboro, Lindenwold, Phoenixville, Lansdale, West Norriton, East
Norriton, Bellmawr, Yeadon and Woodbury.

Heavy rainfall may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your
vehicle through flooded roadways.

LAT...LON 4032 7510 3992 7491 3947 7489 3967 7546
      4002 7548 4033 7562
TIME...MOT...LOC 0832Z 286DEG 18KT 4026 7553 4001 7542 3973 7540

CMS

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

13 high wind, 8 winter weather, 4 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Monroe

When: March 2, 5:00 AM EST to 6:00 PM EST
Where: Monroe forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.058, -75.339 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of near 2 feet in the higher elevations, and around one-half foot in many valley locations. Representative snowfall reports include 23.6 inches in Coolbaugh Township, 20.0 inches in Tobyhanna, 17.0 inches in Mount Pocono, 15.0 inches in Blakeslee, and 4.4 inches near Rossland. 5.5 inches in Albrightsville, and 2.0 inches in Jim Thorpe. Wind gusts to near 60 MPH (higher elevations), and 50 MPH (lower elevations) caused whiteout conditions during the afternoon and evening commute on March 2nd. Stranded motorists were reported throughout the county, including along I-80 which remained closed for more than 24 hours between exits 284 (Blakeslee) and 293 (interchange with I-380). Portions of I-84 and I-380 were closed as well. The Red Cross opened several shelters and warming centers.

Winter Storm, Carbon

When: March 2, 5:00 AM EST to 6:00 PM EST
Where: Carbon forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.918, -75.709 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a reported depth of 5.5 inches in Albrightsville, and 2.0 inches in Jim Thorpe. Wind gusts to near 60 MPH (higher elevations), and 50 MPH (lower elevations) caused whiteout conditions during the afternoon and evening commute on March 2nd. I-80 was closed for more than 12 hours. Widespread power outages and significant tree damage was reported throughout the county.

Winter Weather, Lehigh

When: March 2, 11:00 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where: Lehigh forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.613, -75.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to one-half foot feet throughout the county. Representative snowfall reports include 6.0 inches in Fogelsville, 4.1 inches in Salisbury Township, 3.7 inches at Lehigh Valley International Airport, and 0.7 inches near Neffs. Wind gusts up to 60 MPH were common (Lehigh Valley International Airport reported a gust of 60 MPH at 1720EST on March 2nd) causing whiteout conditions during the afternoon and evening commute on March 2nd.

Winter Weather, Northampton

When: March 2, 11:00 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where: Northampton forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.754, -75.307 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to one-half foot feet throughout the county. Representative snowfall reports include 6.0 inches in Hellertown, 5.6 inches in Bethlehem, 5.5 inches in Cherry Hill, and 3.2 inches in Martins Creek. Wind gusts up to 60 MPH were common (a trained spotter at Bushkill Center reported a gust of 60 MPH at 1152EST on March 2nd) causing whiteout conditions during the afternoon and evening commute on March 2nd.

Winter Weather, Upper Bucks

When: March 2, 11:00 AM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Upper Bucks forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.337, -75.107 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to one-half foot feet in the far northern portions of the county where the highest elevations happen to be located. 6.1 inches of snow was reported near Perkasie, where a wind gust of 51 MPH was also reported at 1437EST. Many other areas received under 6 inches. Blowing and drifting snow made travel hazardous Friday afternoon and evening.

Winter Weather, Lower Bucks

When: March 2, 11:00 AM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Lower Bucks forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.337, -75.107 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of less than one-half foot feet in the southern portions of the county. 2.7 inches of snow was reported in Furlong, 1.0 inches in Penndel, and 0.7 inches near Langhorne. A wind gust of 48 MPH at 1532EST was reported in Yardley. Blowing and drifting snow made travel hazardous Friday afternoon and evening.

Winter Storm, Eastern Montgomery

When: March 2, 12:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Eastern Montgomery forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.211, -75.367 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to 10 inches in eastern sections of the county not far from the Philadelphia City boundary under a deformation zone that established itself over the area during the storm. 9.5 inches of snow was reported in Bryn Mawr, 9.0 inches in Plymouth Meeting, 8.0 inches in North Wales, 5.5 inches in Lansdale, and 2.3 inches in King of Prussia. A wind gust of 46 MPH was reported at the Limerick Airport near Pottstown at 1712EST on March 2nd. |Blowing and drifting snow made travel hazardous Friday afternoon and evening.

Winter Storm, Delaware

When: March 2, 12:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Delaware forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.917, -75.399 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to 10 inches under a deformation zone that established itself over the area during the storm. 9.5 inches of snow was reported in Wayne, 9.0 inches in Villanova, 7.0 inches in Newtown Square, 6.0 inches in Media, and 4.3 inches in Springfield. A wind gust of 59 MPH was reported at Philadelphia International Airport at 2224EST on March 2nd, and a wind gust of 56 MPH was reported in Newtown Square at 1921EST. Blowing and drifting snow made travel hazardous Friday afternoon and evening.

Winter Weather, Philadelphia

When: March 2, 12:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Philadelphia forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.008, -75.134 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to 3 inches in the City. 3.0 inches was reported in northeast Philadelphia, 2.5 inches at 6ABC Studios, 2.2 inches in Fox Chase, 2.0 inches at the Franklin Institute, and 1.5 inches at Philadelphia International Airport, which also reported a gust of 59 MPH at 2224EST on March 2nd. Blowing and drifting snow made travel hazardous Friday afternoon and evening.

Winter Weather, Western Montgomery

When: March 2, 12:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Western Montgomery forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.211, -75.367 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A heavy, wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to 6 inches in the far northern portions of the county where the highest elevations happen to be located. Higher amounts were also reported in the eastern sections of the county under a deformation zone that established itself over the area during the storm. 5.5 inches of snow was reported near Schwenksville, and 1.5 inches was reported in Tylersport. A wind gust of 46 MPH was reported at the Limerick Airport near Pottstown at 1712EST on March 2nd. |Blowing and drifting snow made travel hazardous Friday afternoon and evening.

High Wind, Northampton

When: March 2, 12:00 PM EST
Where: Northampton forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.754, -75.307 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong northwest winds with gusts to over 60 MPH occurred on March 2nd and 3rd. This led to widespread damage to trees and power lines, which in turn induced extensive power outages across the region. At one point more than 36,000 customers were without power in Northampton County. A wind gust of 60 MPH was reported at Lehigh Valley International Airport at 1720EST on March 2nd. A wind gust of 60 MPH was also reported at Bushkill Center at 1152EST. Heavy rainfall occurred over eastern Pennsylvania on March 1st and 2nd, with widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches. Areal and minor small stream flooding occurred.

Winter Weather, Western Chester

When: March 2, 1:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Western Chester forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.973, -75.748 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to 2 inches in the western portion of the county. | 1.2 inches of snow was reported in Glenmoore. A wind gust of 53 MPH was reported in Coatsville at 1555EST on March 2nd.

Winter Weather, Eastern Chester

When: March 2, 1:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Eastern Chester forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.973, -75.748 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A wet snow accumulated to a depth of up to 7 inches in the eastern portions of the county where a deformation zone established itself during the storm. These higher amounts were highly isolated. 7.0 inches of snow was reported in Berwyn, 4.6 inches in Downingtown, 3.3 inches in East Nantmeal, and 2.5 inches in West Chester. A wind gust of 60 MPH was reported in West Grove at 1505EST on March 2nd.

High Wind, Monroe

When: March 2, 1:30 PM EST
Where: Monroe forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 41.058, -75.339 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A wind gust of 60 mph at 1330EST was reported by the ASOS unit at Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport. Numerous trees and power outages were reported. At one point during the event, over 46,000 customers were without power.

High Wind, Carbon

When: March 2, 1:30 PM EST
Where: Carbon forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 40.918, -75.709 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A wind gust of 60 mph at 1330EST was reported by the ASOS unit at Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport. Numerous trees and power outages were reported.

High Wind, Berks

When: March 2, 3:00 PM EST
Where: Berks forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.416, -75.926 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Powerful winds toppled trees and brought down utility lines throughout the county. A tractor-trailer driver suffered an arm injury when his rig was blown over in Tilden Township around noon, March 2nd, closing the westbound lanes of I-78 near Hamburg for about two hours. The right lane of northbound Route 61 was closed in Leesport in the area of Shackamaxon Street due to a downed utility pole. Route 73 was closed near Grims Mill Road in Colebrookdale Township due to downed wires. Around 1700EST, a roof of a mobile home in the first block of Boyer Lane in Ontelaunee Township was blown off. At one point during the event, more than 8,500 power outages were reported.

High Wind, Western Chester

When: March 2, 3:00 PM EST
Where: Western Chester forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 39.973, -75.748 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Downed trees and wires were reported across the area. A wind gust of 53 mph was recorded by the AWOS unit in Coatesville at 1555EST on March 2nd.

High Wind, Lower Bucks

When: March 2, 3:00 PM EST
Where: Lower Bucks forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.337, -75.107 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy rainfall occurred over eastern Pennsylvania on March 1st and 2nd, with widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches. Areal and minor small stream flooding occurred.

High Wind, Upper Bucks

When: March 2, 3:00 PM EST
Where: Upper Bucks forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.337, -75.107 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy rainfall occurred over eastern Pennsylvania on March 1st and 2nd, with widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches. Areal and minor small stream flooding occurred.

High Wind, Eastern Chester

When: March 2, 3:05 PM EST
Where: Eastern Chester forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.973, -75.748 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A gust of 60 mph was recorded by a DEOS (Delaware Environmental Observing System) station in West Grove at 1505EST on March 2nd. Two cars of an East Penn Railroad train were tossed off elevated tracks around midday Friday, March 2nd, near Wilson Mill Road in Lower Oxford Township. A boxcar and flatbed car were left on their sides along an embankment and the locomotive was pulled partially down the decline. There were no injuries reported.

High Wind, Philadelphia

When: March 2, 3:13 PM EST
Where: Philadelphia forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 40.008, -75.134 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous downed trees were reported throughout the city due to strong winds. Speed restrictions were enacted on the Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin, and Walt Whitman bridges due to the wind. High crane operations on the Comcast II tower were suspended because of the strong winds. A wind gust of 62 mph was recorded by the ASOS unit at Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 1513EST on March 2nd. A wind gust of 59 mph was recorded by the ASOS unit at Philadelphia International Airport at 1024EST on March 2nd.

High Wind, Eastern Montgomery

When: March 2, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Eastern Montgomery forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 4 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 40.211, -75.367 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong northwest winds with gusts to near 60 mph occurred on March 2nd and 3rd. This led to widespread damage to trees and power lines, which in turn induced extensive power outages across the region. At one point more than 115,000 customers were without power in Montgomery County. An approximately 45 ft section of tree fell on a vehicle on South Gulph Road between Arden and Upper Gulph Roads in Upper Merion Township killing the 57 year old male occupant. A tree crashed on top of a SEPTA bus around 1300EST on the westbound lanes of I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) in Lower Merion Township. Four minor injuries were reported.

Heavy rainfall occurred over eastern Pennsylvania on March 1st and 2nd, with widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches. Areal and minor small stream flooding occurred.

High Wind, Western Montgomery

When: March 2, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Western Montgomery forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.211, -75.367 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Lehigh

When: March 2, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Lehigh forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.613, -75.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong northwest winds with gusts to over 50 MPH occurred on March 2nd and 3rd. This led to widespread damage to trees and power lines, which in turn induced extensive power outages across the region. At one point more than 13,000 customers were without power in Lehigh County. A roof was blown off a business in west Allentown. The entrance sign to the Lehigh Valley Zoo in North Whitehall Township was completely destroyed. A wind gust of 60 MPH was reported at Lehigh Valley International Airport 1720EST on March 2nd. Heavy rainfall occurred over eastern Pennsylvania on March 1st and 2nd, with widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches. Areal and minor small stream flooding occurred.

High Wind, Delaware

When: March 2, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Delaware forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.917, -75.399 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong northwest winds with gusts to near 60 mph occurred on March 2nd and 3rd. This led to widespread damage to trees and power lines, which in turn induced extensive power outages across the region. At one point 52,000 customers were without power in Delaware County. A tree limb fell and struck a pedestrian in Upper Darby near the intersection of Garrett Road and Shadeland Avenue seriously injuring the 28 year old male.

Heavy rainfall occurred over eastern Pennsylvania on March 1st and 2nd, with widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches. Areal and minor small stream flooding occurred.

The Delaware County Council declared a disaster emergency, citing extensive damage to roads, bridges, homes and businesses as a result of heavy snow, high winds and fallen trees and debris across the county. As of Saturday morning, March 3rd, 82,000 homes and businesses were still without power, about one-third of the county.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
High Wind, Eastern Montgomery	2018-03-02	57	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2018 Every state in 2018 This day in weather history Warnings in Pennsylvania, March 2018

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 733113, 736023, 733897, 733898, 733984, 733985, 733444, 733446, 733451, 733983, 734331, 733899, 733982, 734110, 734325, 734326, 734327, 734329, 734422, 734555, 734332, 734042, 734328, 734330, 734041.