Heavy winds in Philadelphia area lead to downed trees, travel disruptions, power outages

Bitterly cold wind chill temperatures have the Philadelphia area under a NEXT Weather alert today. A wind advisory remains in effect for the entire region through 10 p.m. with wind gusts between 40 to 50 mph and up to 55 mph down the shore.

Heavy winds could knock down trees and cause scattered power outages and travel delays.

Our NEXT Weather forecast says Arctic air will sweep into the region with gusts between 40 and 55 mph, and temperatures will fall to the low and mid-30s. Tonight, the wind chills will hover in the teens and 20s.

Train travel disruptions reported on SEPTA, Amtrak

Some rail services in the Philadelphia area experienced travel delays and suspensions because of damage caused by heavy winds.

SEPTA says its Paoli/Thorndale Line service is suspended because of downed trees on its track near Paoli Station. The transit agency says commuters can use its Trip Planner to find alternative routes.  

Amtrak service between Philadelphia and Lancaster was temporarily suspended after trees fell on overhead wires, but service has resumed. Amtrak said customers should expect delays.

Power outages in the Philadelphia region

The heavy winds have also led to power outages in the region.

As of publication:

• PECO says more than 11,000 customers are without power
• PPL has nearly 5,000
• PSEG and Atlantic City Electric have about 1,000 customers without power
• Delmarva Power says about 4,000 customers are in the dark

Winds lead to early dismissal for 2 Montgomery County schools

Two schools in Montgomery County were dismissed early today after heavy winds downed trees and power lines.

According to Superintendent Scott Eveslage, Hatboro-Horsham High School and Keith Valley Middle School were let out early today at 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively.

In a letter to the community, Eveslage said winds downed some trees and power lines near KVMS, leading to the closure of Moreland Road near Meetinghouse Road.

Eveslage said after-school and evening activities at the middle school were canceled.

The superintendent said three Hatboro-Horsham School District schools experienced power outages today, including the Keith Valley Middle School and Hallowell and Blair Mill elementary schools.

“Power is being supplemented by the generators on site,” Eveslage wrote. “Essential functions of the buildings are operable, albeit in some limited capacity, including electric, plumbing, heat and emergency systems.”

Eveslage said the elementary schools will dismiss at normal times, and after-school programming through Right at School will proceed as scheduled.

One dead, another injured after tree falls on car in Chester County

According to Chester County dispatch, a parent was killed after a tree fell onto a car in West Whiteland Township around 10 a.m. today. County dispatch said a child was rushed to an area hospital and later released to a family member.

Whipping winds send Christmas trees, decorations flying in New Jersey

Whipping winds and bitterly cold temperatures couldn’t dampen Mike Yurkow’s spirits on Thursday. He braved the elements in Audubon to pick out the perfect Christmas tree.

“Let me tell you what. The weather wouldn’t be bad if it wasn’t for the wind and it’s all wide open here,” Yurkow said, “so there’s nothing to block the wind.”

The strong gusts sent some of the Firs flying at Walt’s Christmas Trees on the Black Horse Pike, keeping Eric Pelkofsky busy.

“Where the river is, the wind just funnels right across the river blows all the trees around,” Pelkofsky said. “There’s trash going all over the place trees are falling over.”

The heavy winds launched some decorations into the air, and others were toppled over in yards across South Jersey.

On Nicholson Road in Audubon, drivers had to dodge trash cans rolling down the road. Trash cans were also knocked over and scattered across several neighborhoods.

In Haddonfield, people were bundled up, and some shoppers stepped inside stores to get a break from the cold.

Terry Delaney said they were spoiled by the mild weather in November.

“I think this is just a matter of we weren’t ready for it, and that’s why it feels especially cold,” said Delaney, who was walking downtown.

The wind is also being blamed for power outages across South Jersey. Atlantic City Electric told CBS News Philadelphia crews were working as quickly and as safely as possible to restore power.