At a Glance
- A snow squall struck Philadelphia early Thursday morning.
- The storm caused icy roads and multiple crashes, including a fatal incident.
- 21-year-old driver and passengers were hospitalized; the teen was stable.
- Why it matters: The event highlights dangerous winter driving conditions on New Year’s Day.
A sudden snow squall hit the Philadelphia area around 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day, creating whiteout conditions and slick roads that persisted throughout the day.
Snow Squall Hits Philadelphia
The fast-moving cold front produced a brief but intense snow squall that was captured by NBC10’s Neil Fischer. The storm brought moderate to heavy snowfall and gusty winds that reduced visibility and left the streets slick.
Road Conditions and Incidents
The icy roads led to several crashes. A 21-year-old driver lost control on G Street and East Wyoming Avenue at 6:19 a.m., colliding with a utility pole. The driver and a woman in her 20s were critical; a 17-year-old passenger was stable.
Other incidents included:
- Snow-covered streets in Manayunk and Roxborough.
- A multi-car jam on Bells Mill Road as vehicles struggled up a hill.
- A crash on the 3100 block of Aramingo Avenue around 11 a.m..
| Time | Location | Incident |
|---|---|---|
| 6:19 a.m. | G St & East Wyoming Ave | Driver hit pole |
| Late morning | Bells Mill Rd | Multiple cars stuck |
| 11 a.m. | 3100 Aramingo Ave | Crash on icy road |
Temperatures dropped below freezing with winds up to 35 mph, making the roads feel even colder.
Key Takeaways
- A snow squall created dangerous driving conditions on New Year’s Day.
- Multiple crashes occurred, including a critical crash involving a 21-year-old driver.
- Icy roads persisted throughout the day, with winds reaching 35 mph.
The early-morning storm serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by sudden winter weather in the Philadelphia area.
