Huge Snowstorm Hits Mid-Atlantic States: Philadelphia Digs Out

February 6, 2010: I opened my door to a winter wonderland this morning, and as I stepped out to marvel in the beauty, I slid down four steps and twisted my ankle. So much for the artistry of winter.

Philadelphia was hit by its second major snowstorm in six weeks, when 12 to 18 inches of snow fell overnight. By 7 a.m., almost 18 inches was already on the ground at Philadelphia National Airport, the official snow measuring location, and the most recent accumulation measured was 26.7 inches. (Phily.com Breaking News.) By my husband's measurement, there is at least 18 inches of snow in my driveway, with two-and-a-half foot drifts. As of early Saturday afternoon, the snowfall had tapered off and people began emerging from their homes to shovel themselves out, but the wind is still blowing in strong gusts.

SEPTA, Philadelphia's transit authority, canceled all bus service last night around midnight, and it has not yet resumed. I have to admit, it was so peaceful last night, sitting out on the back step, as the snow muffled the city noises, and I didn't have to listen to the recorded chatter from the bus that stops at my corner. I kept hopefully scanning the street for my newspaper delivery today, but to no avail. There was no mail delivered today, and it was announced that postal operations have been suspended until Monday. (Hey, what happened to "Neither rain nor snow....")

SEPTA's Regional Rail trains were reported running with long delays. I can see and hear the Fox Chase local from my house, but hadn't seen a train arrive or depart since early last evening. According to more recent reports on Philly.com Breaking News, SEPTA spokeswoman Jerri Williams, all bus, trolley and Regional Rail service has been suspended until Sunday morning. (Phily.com Breaking News) Although the major highways have been plowed, Philadelphia declared a snow emergency, and only official and necessary vehicles are supposed to be on the road. I am, however, beginning to see some sparse traffic in my neighborhood.

Philadelphia National Airport canceled 75% of its flights last night, and as of Saturday afternoon, very little traffic was arriving or leaving the airport.

There are two hospitals literally in my backyard, Jeanes and the Fox Chase Center, and medical personnel and hospital employees are coming and going despite the lack of public transportation. The teenagers are roaming the neighborhood, perhaps because the Malls are closed. (Malls close.)

Linda Ott, who lives in a rowhouse in Mayfair, about 15 minutes below Fox Chase, called me to report about 20 inches of snow on her street, and said she can't even get her dog to go out! "It took me longer to get dressed to take that blasted dog out than the whole one minute he stayed out there!" she exclaimed.

As my weary husband returns from helping the neighbors clear the sidewalks with our snowblower, Action News tells us we could be in for another blast of winter this coming Wednesday. (Phily.com Breaking News) Woo-hoo! I don't drive, what do I care!

Sources: Personal Experience; Action News: Mail Delivery Suspended; Rendell Declares State of Emergency; Phily.com Breaking News -- New snowfall totals; Action News: Malls close