Philadelphia braces for major winter storm as transit, schools shut down

A major winter storm is moving through the Philadelphia region, bringing heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain with strong winds and travel-disrupting conditions. Forecasts predict 8–12 inches of snow for Philadelphia (with higher totals to the north and up to 18 inches in the Poconos) and ice accumulations that could cause power outages. Transit is being suspended or reduced (SEPTA, NJ Transit, PATCO), schools are closed, and officials have declared emergencies and snow-related restrictions; after the storm, bitterly cold temperatures are expected with warming centers available for unhoused residents and extensive safety guidance in place.