Local
Two Tornadoes Confirmed as Rare Hailstorm, Then Hard Freezes Hit Philadelphia Region
A rare November storm that dropped golf-ball-size hail over Gloucester City spawned two confirmed tornadoes, and forecasters now warn of hard freezes across most of the Philadelphia region over the next several mornings.
Two tornadoes touched down during a rare November storm that battered the Philadelphia region with golf-ball-size hail, forecasters confirmed, as the area braced for a sharp turn toward bitter cold.
The storm, which swept through on Thursday, ranked among the region's wildest weather days on record. Hail pelted Gloucester City, where residents watched chunks of ice the size of golf balls rain down during the outburst.
Forecasters confirmed that the same system produced two tornadoes, an unusual occurrence for the region in November.
The wild weather is now giving way to a deep chill. Hard freezes are expected across most of the region over the next several mornings, a stark reversal from the violent storms that opened the week's end.
The combination of tornadoes, large hail and an impending freeze in a single stretch is a reminder of how quickly conditions can shift â and of the growing volatility of the region's weather as the climate warms. Residents should take steps to protect vulnerable plants, exposed pipes and anyone spending time outdoors during the overnight freezes.
Forecasters urged the public to stay alert to updated warnings as the cold settles in through the weekend.