WINTER STORM SUMMARY FOR
JANUARY 05, 2005 TO JANUARY 6, 2005 EVENT

Synopsis

A cold front moved through the region during January 4th, which allowed a cold low-level airmass to settle into the area. Low pressure then organized across the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys and moved into the eastern Great Lakes January 6th. Moisture surged up ahead of this storm late on January 5th and then tapered off later on January 6th. As the precipitation overspread the area, cold air was entrenched to produce all snow at the start, then milder air worked its way in early January 6th changing the snow over to freezing rain across Northeast Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey. The low pressure system moved into southeast Canada January 6th, ending the precipitation across our area.

Watches/Warnings/Advisories

A Winter Storm Watch was issued for Carbon and Monroe Counties in Pennsylvania, and Sussex County in New Jersey at 5 AM January 4th. These counties were upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning at 4 PM January 4th. The Winter Storm Watch was extended into Berks and Lehigh Counties in Pennsylvania, Morris, Northampton, and Warren Counties in New Jersey at 4 PM January 4th. These counties were then put under a Winter Weather Advisory at 5 AM January 5th, then the Advisory (except Berks County) was upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning at 4 PM January 5th. A Winter Weather Advisory was then issued for Bucks, Hunterdon, Montgomery and Somerset Counties at 4 PM January 5th (Berks was maintained in the advisory). At 1 AM January 6th, Chester County Pennsylvania was added to the Winter Weather Advisory.

Precipitation/Temperatures/Winds

Precipitation began as snow across the Poconos, Lehigh Valley and Northwest New Jersey the night of January 5th. The snow accumulated up to 6 inches, with the highest amounts found across the Poconos and far Northwestern New Jersey. As warmer air moved in aloft, the snow changed over to freezing rain, producing ice accumulations anywhere from 0.50 to 0.75 inches. While there was some snow and ice across other parts of Eastern Pennsylvania and across Northern New Jersey, amounts were much lower. Precipitation moved north of the region and tapered off late on January 6th. Temperatures across the impacted region started at or below freezing. Areas from the Lehigh Valley, south and east, gradually warmed above freezing during January 6th. The Poconos and far Northwestern New Jersey remained at or slightly below freezing during the storm. Winds were not much of a factor during this storm.

Significant Impacts/Aspects

The main impact from this storm was the widespread disruption in electrical service across the Poconos and far Northwestern New Jersey. This ice accumulation, up to nearly 0.75 inches, brought down numerous power lines and trees. Thousands were left without electricity, including some shelters. Downed trees and power lines presented a very hazardous situation for travelers and area residents.

Notes

Information contained in this summary is preliminary. More complete and/or detailed information may be contained in subsequent monthly NOAA storm data publications.