Mayor Jim Kenney and City officials provided an update on the current impacts of the snowstorm and snow plowing operations. Approximately 15 inches of snow fell overnight, and more snow is expected. Mayor Kenney noted that this particular storm is challenging due to high winds with wind gusts of 55 t0 65 miles per hour, which are causing considerable snowdrifts, and thanked residents for their patience as plow operators continue to work through the day to clear streets. Despite these conditions, Philadelphia Police and Philadelphia Fire departments
No major incidents related to the storm and the city has not experienced any power outages due to the
Mayor Kenny emphasized that the Snow Emergency is still in effect. The Police Department and the Philadelphia Parking Authority continue to relocate vehicles from Snow Emergency Routes. They also remind vehicle owners
not to park vehicles on Snow Emergency Routes through the duration of the declared Snow Emergency, even if
crews plowed these routes already. If your vehicle is towed, call 215-686-SNOW. Do not call 911.
Officials caution that while the snow has tapered off this morning, the National Weather Service’s
Blizzard Warning
is still in effect and forecasts indicate a second band of snow will hit the city later today through this evening. Officials caution Philadelphians to stay off the roads as crews continue to plow snow. Multiple agencies have been plowing streets across the city. Crews are at full level and will continue to plow streets throughout the week.
As of Saturday, 8:00 a.m. the Philadelphia Emergency Operations Center is at a full activation and continues to coordinate citywide response operations. Emergency Management Director Samantha Phillips indicated the
Emergency Operations Center’s priorities are focused on public safety and transportation activities.
SEPTA’s Market Frankford and Broad Street Lines will continue to run as scheduled. CCT Connect will only provide
service for pre-scheduled dialysis trips as long as conditions are safe to do so. All SEPTA bus, trolley service, and
regional rail service is currently suspended.
All airlines have cancelled flights at Philadelphia International Airport.
Streets Commissioner Donald Carlton reminds property owners that they are required to clear a three (3) foot path in front of their property within six (6) hours of the end of the storm. Property owners should also shovel snow from curb cuts. Residents should not shovel or toss snow onto city streets. It is against the law to do this. Drivers should park vehicles at least 20 feet from corners, as required by law. Snow plowing vehicles need extra room to turn safely at corners. Parking too close to a corner limits crews’ ability to salt and plow roads.
City officials ask residents to clear snow and ice from fire hydrants so that firefighters can hook up hoses quickly in the event of a fire. In addition, please clear snow and ice away from storm drains on your block to allow melting snow to flow directly down the drains. This will help to prevent icy road conditions. With the weather outlook of temperatures in the 40’s in the days following the storm, clearing snow and ice away from the drains is even more important as conditions will be higher for flooding when large amounts of snow melt quickly. Winter Weather Tips to Stay Healthy To stay warm, the Health Department advises wearing a windproof outer layer of clothing and several dry, loose fitting layers of clothing. Avoid cotton and tight clothing. Please also avoid drinking to excess. Drinking alcoholic beverages places one at greater risk for cold-related injuries, since alcohol can result in the loss of body heat. Know the danger signs of hypothermia: confusion, difficulty in speaking, shivering, slow breathing, difficulty in waking, stiff muscles, puffiness in the face, absent-mindedness, and trembling of one side of the body. If you see anyone in these conditions, call 911.
Frostbite is frozen body tissue, usually skin. It affects the extremities first: fingers, toes, ears, and the tip of the nose. Symptoms of frostbite include: skin might lose feeling; skin may look white, pale, hard or waxy; as the area thaws, skin may turn red, blue, or purple; skin can also swell or blister. The victim may also feel tingling, burning, or severe pain as the frostbitten tissue thaws. Children lose body heat faster than adults do, so they can get If you suspect frostbite, get the victim to a warm room or shelter, give the victim warm drinks, but no alcohol; remove any wet clothing; do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. Doing so can cause more damage; warm the affected areas in warm (not hot) water, or with warm blankets; don’t rub frostbitten skin; don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or heat from a stove, fireplace or radiator to warm the frostbitten areas. Numb body parts cannot feel the heat, and can get burned; if skin color and feeling do not return to normal quickly, get medical help as soon aspossible.
Snow Shoveling Safety Tips
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Take frequent rest breaks and drink
plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Warm up with some stretching exercises inside.
• Start slowly and pace yourself. Shovel five loads only a minute. After 15 minutes of shoveling, take a break.
Pause to stretch every five minutes by standing up straight.
• Push the snow. Do not lift. If you must lift, use your legs not your back.
• Drink during breaks to avoid dehydration. Breathing cold dry air robs moisture from your body with every
breath.
• Never throw snow over your shoulder. Twisting can strain the back. Face the snow that you are shoveling.
Keep your back straight, knees bent, and throw in front of you.
• Dress warmly in layers with a hat. Cover your neck.
• Take smaller scoops of snow, keeping them light and small.
• Do not work up a sweat. Bodies lose heat faster in damp clothes, which makes you more prone to injury.
Take a break if you are beginning to sweat.
• Do not smoke or eat a heavy meal before shoveling. It’s harder on the heart.
• Do not hold your breath; this makes your heart rate and blood pressure rise.
• Do not feel the job has to be done in one session.
• Do clear snow in front of fire hydrants and storm drains when clearing sidewalks and driveways.
Be a Good Neighbor
Remember to help your neighbors, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and those who are house bound. Please also check with them during the storm, if possible, to ensure they have heat or need any assistance. If you see a homeless person in need of assistance during the storm, please call Project Home Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984. The City that requires dog owners to bring their pets indoors in the event of extreme cold. Ignoring this could result in fine of up to $500. If you see a dog or other pet outside, call ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800. Porch and Building Safety If possibly, try to clear snow from porches. Sagging porches and building roofs, and warping columns are signs of a building made dangerous by heavy snow. If you see these dangerous conditions, get to safety and call 911 immediately. Home Heating Safety Tips Use electric heaters with extreme caution to prevent shock, fire, and burns. NEVER use a kerosene heater indoors. Keep items at least three (3) feet from heat sources, to help prevent fire. Never use a gas oven or burner to heat your home. Portable Heaters The Philadelphia Fire Code permits the use of portable kerosene heaters in one and two family dwellings only. Portable propane heaters can be used outdoors only. When purchasing a new portable heater, select those with the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Use and maintain the heater by following manufacturer’s instructions.
Cold air blowing through drafty windows or in unheated areas can cause water pipes to burst or damage water meters. Try these Water Department tips to ensure that your home’s water system is ready to face the worst that winter can blow your way: • Shut off outside water faucets from your inside valves, leaving the outside valve open to drain the faucet. • Keep your water meter above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. • Wrap the water meter and the connecting piping with insulation. • Caulk windows near water meters or pipes and COVER those windows with plastic. • Replace or cover cracked or broken windows. • Wrap and insulate all water pipes in unheated areas, such as underneath a shed or kitchen floor. • Let water run overnight at a trickle in extremely cold weather to keep the pipes from freezing. • Have your vacant property winterized by a registered plumber. • If you have any questions, please call the Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300.
Philly 311
The Philly 311 Call Center will remain open this weekend to take calls for non-emergencies and to provide the most
current storm-related information:
• Friday – extend until 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday – 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday – 8:00 a.m. to midnight
• Monday – open at 6:00 a.m.
Dial 3-1-1 or for those with VOiP (Voice over Internet Protocol). For calls from outside of Philadelphia, dial 215-686-
8686. Download the Philly 311 free Mobile App from the app store via your smart device (phone, tablet, etc.) for
IOS and for Android. Ask @Philly311 a question or submit a request using Facebook and Twitter. You can send
your inquiry or request from your email to Philly311@phila.gov, also.
CBS3 was first to report on Monday that this would be a MAJOR snowstorm. Snow in Philly, rain/snow line near Philly, all rain South Jersey.
Wednesday 6ABC was the first to land some numbers
Thursday Sheena Parveen basically pointed out that Cape May was getting screwed with rain and moderate coastal flooding.
Today PhillyWX posted everyone’s predictions.
Well you can throw them all out cause today at 1PM Weather.com said we’re gonna need a bigger boat. The storm is much larger, it’s much colder and the snow is much more fluffier.
Adam Joseph came out with new numbers shortly after in his epic FB video of behind the scenes. They are exactly what everyone wants to see, the whats and how a weather report comes about.
Today on Kate Bilo’s periscope she mentoned a bet she has with a guy at PHL, saying it would snow 14.4 inches. She’s going to have to pay up, as even her forecast has changed.
Academy of Music 159th Anniversary Concert and Ball is Cancelled
Out
of respect for the safety of our patrons, the Academy of Music Board of
Trustees has regretfully cancelled the 159th Anniversary Concert and
Ball planned for this Saturday, January 23. The
now-elevated blizzard warning, supported by the state of emergency issued by Governor Wolf and the snow emergency issued by Mayor
Kenney, informed our decision. We are currently in the process of making arrangements
to donate surplus food from the event to local food banks and shelters.
This years Young Friends Co-Chair was Katie Gagnon with Ryan Gagnon.
Generations
of Philadelphians have crossed the threshold of the “Grand Old Lady of
Locust Street” in winters past for this event. We hope that the current
generation will continue to support this
tradition of affection. The Anniversary Concert and Ball is the
National Historic Landmark’s most critical fundraiser, which supports
the preservation of the building so unique to the Avenue of the Arts.
We
honor the efforts of our remarkable co-chairs, Katharine Eyre and Bruce
G. Leto, as they have expended a great deal of time, goodwill, and
personal generosity over the course of the last year
toward creating a magical evening. We likewise recognize all the
Academy volunteer committees for their hard work in the community to
gather support. Particular gratitude goes to our special guest, Martin
Short, and the Hyatt at the Bellevue dance bands for
their early arrival ahead of the snow. We extend our deep appreciation
to Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the musicians and staff of
the Academy of Music and The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Cory Siegfried, Co-Chair of the Young Friends of the Academy of Music and Erika Blatt.
Thank you for all your efforts to make this year a success.
We
are deeply grateful for our many generous underwriters and individual
contributors that have helped lay the groundwork for what has been a
very successful fundraiser. We ask for all patron support
of this cherished building to remain in place through donating ticket
expenses to the Restoration Fund for a 100% tax-deductible donation.
Patrons should call the AOM office at 215.893.1978 to make arrangements. Concert-only ticket holders should call Ticket
Philadelphia at 215.893.1999.
Philadelphia, PA (January 22, 2016) – As the snow
falls, so do the ticket prices! With the winter season officially
kicking into high gear, the Philadelphia Flyers are offering a special Snowstorm Savings on tickets to the team’s next two home games at
the Wells Fargo Center—this Monday, January 25 vs. the Boston Bruins at
7 p.m., as well as next Tuesday, February 2 vs. the Montreal Canadiens
at 7 p.m.
The more snow that Philadelphia gets, the deeper
the discount. On Sunday, January 24 at 12 p.m., the ticket discounts
will go live on PhiladelphiaFlyers.com,
with the savings dependent on how many inches of snow falls at
Philadelphia International Airport, according to the National Weather
Service:
Fans can follow Flyers social media (Twitter:
@NHLFlyers; Facebook: Philadelphia Flyers; Instagram: PhiladelphiaFlyers) for the most up-to-date details, as well as the confirmed discounted
pricing following the storm.
The Flyers will take on the Boston Bruins on Monday
at 7 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center, then will square off against the
Montreal Canadiens the following Tuesday, February 2 at 7 p.m. Great
seats are still available by calling 215-218-PUCK
or visiting PhiladelphiaFlyers.com.
If you are going to the Academy Ball and Concert on Saturday, #ItsAGoInTheSnow . Hope to see you. I did get a hotel room at the Double Tree so I didn’t have to trek through the snow home at midnight. Can’t even imagine the Uber Surge Pricing Saturday night.
Last night I was on my way to the Pen & Pencil Club for a showing of local news photographers work, and got a tip that Meek Mill and friends were eating at Serafina in the window. I got there just in time see Meek and the guys head out. No sign of Nicki Minaj, but a quick look on her instagram
and I see she’s all Jenny on the Block in Brooklyn on the set of her new TV show called Nicki based on her childhood and her neighborhood. It’s being directed by Tim Story.
Nicki has also added blond extensions to her hair. Looks good. Also new besides her extensions, Meek Mill’s new song just dropped. Check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOJZAE6vovw
Star Power: Sex and the City’s Mr Big – Chris Noth stopped in Tredici Enoteca (114 South 13th St., ) earlier this month to try it out. I’ve been there, and it’s delicious.
Bon voyage Randi Edelman, who after being with Saks Fifth Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, decided she needed a change and headed south for the winter, and maybe longer.
OH MY Michael Strauss posted this shot of the latest dish at Taproom on 19th – It’s a grilled cheese and ham on a soft pretzel roll.
Early this week Mike, Kory, Renee Patrone and I headed to dinner at our friend Michelle Leonard’s house on the Mainline. It was an early Mardis Gras dinner. It was delicious and the table setting was so much fun.
Michelle is the hostess with the mostess (c) here with Renee Patrone, guest, Doreen Mcgettigan (who’s new book THE STRANGER IN MY RECLINER comes next Tuesday.), Karen Toole-Ebbert, Mike, moi and Kory took this pix.
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How much snow are we getting in Philly?
The women of weather in Philly tells us their predictions.
Kate Bilo, CBS3 Philly – (12 – 16 in Philly)
Kathy Orr, Fox 29 (12-18 in Philly)
Sheena Parveen, NBC10 (10+) and Cecily Tynan, 6ABC (12 – 18 in Philly)
I think Alicia Vitarelli may have hit the nail on the head.
Usually every year there’s a good balance of Hot Dresses and Hot Messes at the annual Hair of The Dog charity gala. And by Hot Messes, it’s like the MTV Music Awards red carpet of Philly. Anything goes, anything to get a photographers attention cause everyone can’t be the belle of the ball. This year not too many hot messes.
Kate Beaver’s dress wouldn’t be appropriate for most galas, but it works at Hair of the Dog, which is an event that is geared for attendees from the age of 21 til nearly death. That’s what’s so awesome about the Hair of the Dog, it attracts people from all walks of life, it’s serious fun for everyone whether you bought a $125 ticket or a $250+ VIP ticket. In the past 5 years, the party has gotten infinitely better, with this year’s party one that’s going to be hard to top. Kate Beaver tells me her gravity defying dress stayed together with double sided tape and a fishing line. Why her dress is in the Best Dressed List at PhillyMag. First of all she has a body that kills, she obviously eats right and works out and the dress fits perfectly. Secondly, the pattern matches the night’s theme “Welcome to The Jungle.” and finally she wore it well and figured out how not to make it a Hot Mess Dress.
More Best Dressed in PhillyMag
Cari Berkowitz, Marissa Acchione, Emma De Gennaro and Chaz Daley
I arrived before the guests and checked out the layout. This was the 2nd year in a row HOD has set up shop at the Crystal Tea Room. They really embraced the location and set up nice bottle service areas throughout the event space.
This is bottle service set up in one of the VIP lounges.
Food was delicious, as Finley Catering usually is. Taco stations, prime rib stations, cheese steak stations and plenty of desserts. Did I mention it was open bar too?
And free Cheerleader’s Calenders. Cheerleader’s was a major sponsor.
Sam and Colette Gabriel (wearing “The Right Fit Dresses”).
Carlee Sutherland and Joey Pepe
These outfits are the Breast
This look is hot
The Angelina Jolie leg was very prominent on the “red carpet” Saturday night.
The Best Dressed hostess’ Jennifer Sherlock (Did the PR for the Party) and Buffy Elyse Harakidas (director of marketing for Chorus Communications which puts on HOD)
Michelle Finley is fantastic in sequins
Fabulous DJ Sabeel Chohan
There was eye candy and eye opening candy everywhere
Shocking
Matt and Stephanie O’Hanlon
Irina Mitchell, Estia and Kim Frick
I tried my hardest to get the lady on the right to kick out her leg, but she was embarrassed which I found ironic
This lady dyed her hair to match her dress. I would have used this for PhillyMag but his head isnt fully shown and it could never be used in the magazine so I used a photo that can.
Both very lovely, not loving the colors
Sent to one of my outlets but they cut it, as they only could use 15 photos. Dan Roomberg, Jessica Roomberg, Shelby Spector and Alex Klein
One of the more daring suit choices
I like it, very gold mermaid with tiara.
Hot mess, what are you two doing? I did photoshop her dress a little longer, it was showing too much thigh.
Then again this was just the kinda photo I want to shoot, so fun
Dr. Jennifer N. Caudle and the Right Dress Gals
Color blocking
Who wore it best?
Dressy shorts
Stylish Snappers.
I really wanted the front of her dress, but everyone was all hands on deck
Before you knew it, it was over, or for some over to Voyeur for the after hours party. I was beat and headed home. Til next year Hair of the Dog. Check out my photos in The Best Dressed in PhillyMag and Philly Metro.
Friday night NBC world renowned chef Gordon Ramsay’s television series Hell’s Kitchen where aspiring chefs compete returned with an all new
Friday January 15, season 15 premiere called, “18 Chefs Compete,”.
Season 15
begins with the newest bunch of contestants traveling to Las Vegas to
see where the winning chef will work and preparing their signature
dishes in that kitchen for the chance to win a ride on the High Roller
Ferris wheel. Philadelphia Chef Danielle Harrison aka Chef Dani held a viewing party at Philly’s newest restaurant Urban Farmer at the newly opened Logan Hotel.
Mindy Levin, Amy Schaeffer, Melissa Lippin and Melanie Schaeffer
Tanya Scott, Kerri Ann Campbell, Samaya Gordon, and Kikanza Cunningham
Debbie Tarantino, Marla McDermott and Britt Mondrinos
A delicious meal of turkey and steak was prepared in front of us by
Executive Chef Richard Brower and Matt Christianson
with delicious sides like spinach, Brussels sprouts and potatoes
George Banks and Bari Goldstein @bestfoodphilly
Robin Kaysen and Mollie Dronson @PhillyFoodies
Dani made pan
seared scallops which scored a 4 out of 5.
Chef Danni and her parents Marla and Greg Harrison were there to see their daughter through to the next round.
Monday Morning edition of PCC Philly Gossip. Hope you had a great time this weekend. Mine was chock full of fun. Friday night I attended a party by Chef Dannie who hosted a Hell’s Kitchen Season 15 Premiere Party at the newly opened Logan Hotel (which I reviewed on Friday.) I’ll write more about that tomorrow.
Then on Saturday I was at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and attended my friend’s Henry and Chip’s 25th Anniversary together.
Last week my friend Christal Watson was taking a walk during a jury duty break, and ran into Cendric The Entertainer near the Ritz Carlton. He was on tour with THE COMEDY GET DOWN TOUR: CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER, EDDIE GRIFFIN, D.L. HUGHLEY, GEORGE LOPEZ & CHARLIE MURPHY and appeared at the The Liacouras Center on 1/15/16. Which would explain why George Lopez was spotted at the Sixers game on Thursday night. (BTW Look who was at the Sixers game on Saturday night)
Congrats are in order for Ronica Cleary formerly of Chasing The News NJ, who was recently picked up by Fox7 in DC where she joins former Philly news gals, Caitlin Roth, Fox 29 and Erin Como, NBC10
No more fun sweaters on New Year’s Day, the WB17 has quietly let Steve Highsmith‘s go. Good luck Steve, I’ll miss you Mummer’s coverage.
Aspiring entertainment writer Ryan Myers attended the Lemon Ball on Saturday night and ran into CBSPhilly’s Jessica Dean.
Who doesn’t love Duke of Duke and Winston. This guy wanted to remember Duke by tattooing his ass, I guess when he wants to see the beloved pooch he’ll look in the mirror.
Congrats to Spoonful, the new food magazine which celebrated with a soiree at JD Domestics at the Cira Center on Saturday night. The invitation was so cool, instead of paper, they used wood like a good spoon.
Speaking of the Logan Hotel, Saturday night Evantine decorated the newly renovated ballroom for a 50th Birthday Party.
Guests enjoyed a performance from one of my favorite 80s singers Taylor “Tell It To My Heart” Dane.
Singer Vassy snapped this shot of Philly’s first snowfall on Sunday. They say there’s a big snowstorm coming next weekend, but who can believe them as they didn’t even predict yesterday’s light dusting.
The weather this week, too much drama.CBS3 was first to report on Monday that this would be a MAJOR snowstorm. Snow in Philly, rain/snow line near Philly, all rain South Jersey.Wednesday 6ABC was the first to land some numbersThursday Sheena Parveen basically pointed out that Cape May was getting screwed with rain and moderate coastal flooding.Today PhillyWX posted everyone’s predictions.Well you can throw them all out cause today at 1PM Weather.com said we’re gonna need a bigger boat. The storm is much larger, it’s much colder and the snow is much more fluffier.Adam Joseph came out with new numbers shortly after in his epic FB video of behind the scenes. They are exactly what everyone wants to see, the whats and how a weather report comes about.Today on Kate Bilo’s periscope she mentoned a bet she has with a guy at PHL, saying it would snow 14.4 inches. She’s going to have to pay up, as even her forecast has changed.Fox 29’s afternoon forecastNBC 10’s Forecast. They’re all different.
Academy of Music 159th Anniversary Concert and Ball is CancelledOut
I really wanted the front of her dress, but everyone was all hands on deck
with delicious sides like spinach, Brussels sprouts and potatoesGeorge Banks and Bari Goldstein @bestfoodphillyRobin Kaysen and Mollie Dronson @PhillyFoodiesDani made pan
Nicki blew up instagram herself posting a few pixs
