Latest news with #DelawareValley
CBS News
12 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Thousands without power in Philadelphia region following severe storms
The severe weather threat in the Philadelphia region is over, but the storms left behind plenty of damage and knocked out power for thousands in the Delaware Valley on Thursday night. Here's a list of outages across the Philly region. PECO power outages PECO customers were the hardest hit by Thursday's storms, as 247,293 customers lost power in the Philadelphia area. Bucks County had the most customers lose power with 68,664. Montgomery County and Delaware County were also in the 60,000s. Montco had 62,997 customers lose power, while Delco had 63,480 without power following the storms. Demarva power outages Delmarva Power, which provides electricity and natural gas to residents in Delaware and Maryland, had thousands of customers without power. In New Castle County, more than 7,000 customers lost their power. PSEG power outages Public Service Enterprise Group provides electric to New Jersey residents, and the company had nearly 13,000 customers without power due to the storms. Mercer County had more than 8,000 customers without power, while Burlington County had about 2,800 customers with no electric. Atlantic City Electric power outages Atlantic City Electric had more than 4,000 customers without power. Cumberland County was the hardest hit, with roughly 2,500 customers losing power.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Hot, humid Wednesday in Philadelphia region as storm chances increase at night. Here's the weather forecast.
From the 60s to a heat advisory in just two days, get ready for major changes around the Philadelphia region. On Wednesday, we're back in the upper 80s, feeling quite hot and steamy with a greater chance for storms, including a chance for an isolated strong to severe storm. Parts of our area are in a level 1 risk for severe weather, so we'll keep our eyes on it. Thursday is a NEXT Weather Alert as a stronger line of storms may push through the Delaware Valley during the afternoon and early evening, bringing lightning, heavy rain and the possibility for severe weather, most notably the risk for strong winds. It's another hot and humid day with highs in the low 90s. Timing for the storms looks to be late afternoon west of Philly, with a majority of our area seeing the impacts during the early evening hours, mainly between 5-9 p.m. CBS News Philadelphia It will be quite an interesting way to end spring as summer officially arrives on Friday, and wouldn't you know it, the pattern starts to shift just in time. Friday looks beautiful, but a heat wave begins this weekend, with highs climbing into the 90s again Saturday. Get ready for the heat, though. Starting this weekend, we will be entering our first heat wave of the year. That means three or more days in a row hitting 90 degrees or higher, and this stretch could keep going into the following week. For some context: Last year's first heat wave ran from June 18 to 23, and the last one hit at the end of July. Both topped out at 98 degrees. Our last 100-plus degree day was on July 7, 2012, when we hit 101 degrees. And the longest heat wave on record? A whopping 12 days back in 1901, including two scorchers over 100 degrees. Because of the heat, we'll also be on NEXT Weather Alert Day for Monday and Tuesday as well, tracking feels-like temps of 100-plus degrees. We could possibly see a 100-plus degree day for the first time in nearly 13 years. Stay with your NEXT Weather Team for the latest. Here's your 7-day forecast: CBS News Philadelphia Wednesday: Hotter, p.m. storm. High 87. Low 69. Thursday: NEXT Weather Alert for p.m. storms. High 92. Low 73. Friday: Sunny start to summer. High 87. Low 68. Saturday: Heat wave begins. High 91. Low 69. Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 94. Low 73. Monday: NEXT Weather Alert for extreme heat. High 98. Low 76. Tuesday: NEXT Weather Alert for extreme heat. High 99. Low 80 NEXT Weather Radars Hourly Forecast
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Scattered showers Tuesday in Philadelphia region, tracking severe storms later this week. Here's the forecast.
Getting used to the clouds and cool temps yet? Hopefully not as we have MAJOR changes in the forecast in the Philadelphia region in many ways. First, Tuesday will bring another cloud-filled sky with temps a bit warmer than the past few days but still well below the normal high of 84 degrees. In addition, we'll see passing showers with an occasional thunderstorm possible. By Wednesday, we're back in the 80s with a greater chance for storms, including a chance for an isolated strong to severe storm. Parts of our area are in a level 1 risk for severe storms, so we'll keep our eyes on it. CBS News Philadelphia Thursday is a NEXT Weather Alert day as a stronger line of storms may push through the Delaware Valley during the afternoon and early evening, bringing lightning, heavy rain and the possibility for severe weather. Most notably, the storms will bring the risk for strong winds, an interesting way to end spring as summer officially arrives on Friday, and wouldn't you know it, the pattern starts to shift just in time. We'll finally see a bump in temperatures heading into the weekend, with highs climbing back toward the mid to upper 80s and humidity sneaking in as well. It may not be a major heat wave into the weekend, but it'll definitely feel more seasonal and summer-like. So, if you're planning to kick off summer with a trip to the Jersey Shore or some backyard grilling, the timing looks just about right. CBS News Philadelphia Get ready for the heat, though. Starting Sunday, we could be entering our first heat wave of the year. That means three or more days in a row hitting 90 degrees or higher, and this stretch could keep going into the following week. For some context: Last year's first heat wave ran from June 18 to 23, and the last one hit at the end of July. Both topped out at 98 degrees. Our last 100-plus degree day was on July 7, 2012, when we hit 101 degrees. And the longest heat wave on record? A whopping 12 days back in 1901, including two scorchers over 100 degrees. Because of the heat, we'll also be on NEXT Weather Alert Day for Monday as well, tracking feels-like temps of 100-plus degrees. Stay with your NEXT Weather Team for the latest. Here's your 7-day forecast: CBS News Philadelphia Tuesday: Scattered showers. High 78. Low 63. Wednesday: Warmer, p.m. thunderstorm. High 87. Low 68. Thursday: NEXT Weather Alert for p.m. storms. High 91. Low 73. Friday: Sunny start to summer. High 87. Low 67. Saturday: Mostly sunny. High 89. Low 67. Sunday: Heat builds. High 93. Low 71. Monday: NEXT Weather Alert for temps that feel-like 100-plus. High 97. Low 76. NEXT Weather Radars Hourly Forecast
CBS News
4 days ago
- CBS News
Months after school districts partner with Bus Patrol, Philadelphia-area townships find staggering results
Several school districts in the Philadelphia region have partnered with Bus Patrol, a company that operates an AI-powered school bus safety program, and the results have shown a staggering number of violations by drivers in the Delaware Valley. In one mother's words, it was her kindergartner's "brush with death." It happened at a school bus stop years ago. A car barreled through despite red flashing lights and the bus's extended stop arm. A 5-year-old was nearly struck as a result. That reckless incident motivated Amber Clark to advocate for legislation that helps law enforcement better patrol school bus stops by using video surveillance. Some of the numbers of violations are astounding and shocking. CBS News Philadelphia went digging for results since the company known as Bus Patrol partnered with school districts in the Delaware Valley. In fall 2024, we first reported that local townships and school districts had entered into agreements with Bus Patrol. The company, founded in 2017, outfits school buses with cameras that capture school bus zone violators in the act. In one township, the number of violations shocked local officials, confirming they had a serious problem at school bus stops. "A brush with death" The story for Clark began in 2017. The Allentown mom will tell you she is persistent. "Once I get a hold of something, I don't let go," she said. Out for a walk with her daughter, Olive Clark Ortiz, Clark relives as she calls "a brush with death," the day her daughter was nearly hit by a school bus about eight years ago. "The bus stopped, put it red lights up, put stop arm out," she said. "I heard the car, I heard the engine rev, backfire or whatever it did, and I looked toward it, barreling toward us. I scooped up Olivia and spun and the hood of the car grazed her backpack. I smacked the window as it was going past, and I was hollering, and the guy was on his phone laughing at me." "Some white car, kind of grey from what I remember, it just went past the bus doors," Clark-Ortiz said. "If it weren't for my mom and my aunt pulling me back." From that moment, Clark went to work. She called transportation officials in dozens of states, where laws were in place using school bus cameras to catch drivers who ignored safety zones around stopped school buses. Clark worked with Pennsylvania lawmakers. In 2020, a bus-camera bill was passed into law. "Because that's my daughter. I know how I felt," Clark said when asked why she cared so much. "Just, she barely remembers it happening, that was eight years ago. You try to shield them. I can't tell her you almost died." "Ten thousand violations for passing a school bus" In Upper Darby Township, officials announced a partnership with Bus Patrol after the start of the school year. Police shared example after example of drivers blowing by school buses fully stopped, with flashing lights, and the stop arm deployed. Police say the video revealed a common driving habit. "They saw that yellow flashing light," Upper Darby Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt said. "Instead of slowing down, they try to speed up to prevent the red light. That's not what those yellow lights are meant to be, just like a traffic light. You want to stop at the yellow, because you know the red light is coming out." Upper Darby police shared they've reached a staggering number of violations. "We have 10,000," Bernhardt said. "Ten thousand violations for passing a school bus." Bernhardt says his department reviewed each violation. The driver is then sent a $300 civil fine. The police superintendent says the driver's license isn't suspended and there are no points assessed. Additionally, the driver can still fight the violation before a hearing examiner and, if dissatisfied with the outcome, in court. "For us, it's not about creating revenue, it's about making people aware, you can't pass a school bus," Bernhardt said. In Abington Township, their agreement with Bus Patrol began this past winter. "We're surprised at the amount of violations being sent to us. And legitimate violations, not close calls," Traffic Safety Officer Michael Coughlin said. While Abington's number is far below Upper Darby's, the program has still captured several hundred violations. "People are starting to get the message that these cameras are out there," Coughlin said. "They tend to get the message over time," Steve Randazzo, chief growth officer with Bus Patrol, said. "Over 90% of folks who get a violation in the mail do not reoffend." Where does the violation money go? Randazzo explained how the $300 violation is broken down. $25 goes to the local police department. Another $25 to a school bus safety grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The remaining $250 is split between Bus Patrol and the local school district. Randazzo said Bus Patrol fronts all the capital for the system, with the installation of cameras on every bus in a district, regardless of the number. "The percentage might sound like sticker shock," Randazzo said. "The school district never pays a penny for the program. Law-abiding taxpayers who fund the school district budget do not pay a penny for the program. It is all funded by those who break the law." For Clark, Upper Darby's figures on violators were alarming. "It's disheartening. It makes me angry," she said. "Everyone knows it's a two-story giant rectangle with flashing lights. That makes me mad, because they're kids." While Upper Darby's number may seem off the charts, industry experts and sources say it isn't uncommon given the density of the township, the traffic, the roads and the large number of school children. The School District of Philadelphia announced a partnership with Bus Patrol in April. Twenty of its buses were outfitted with cameras as part of a pilot program. It's possible the program will be fully expanded in the city for the next school year. contributed to this report.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Rainy and cooler Father's Day weather in Philadelphia, showers continue into Monday AM commute
If you're heading out to celebrate Father's Day Sunday morning, take it slow on the roads – they could be slick after some early morning downpours. Steady rain will taper off this morning but the chance for on-and-off spotty showers continues around the Delaware Valley this afternoon, though it won't be a complete washout. High temperatures Sunday stay about 15 degrees below average and are expected to top out near 68 degrees in the city. In Delaware, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert is in effect Sunday. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and people with breathing, hear or lung problems, should limit time outside. Temps stay cooler over the next few days, and we have more chances for steady rain and thunderstorms overnight and into the Monday morning commute. Monday morning radar CBS Philadelphia Heat returns After a few cooler-than-average and cloudy days, get ready for the heat and humidity to return on Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday highs will climb back into the upper 80s with our next chance for the 90s on Thursday, though there's a chance for thunderstorms late in the day. High temperature trend this week CBS Philadelphia Looking ahead to the weekend, we could kick off our first heat wave of the season on Saturday as temperatures look to stay in the 90s heading into early next week. Temperatures need to reach the 90s three consecutive days to be considered a heat wave, so stay tuned.
