March 07, 2018
If you had off Wednesday because of the March snowstorm that hit the Philadelphia region, you could have spent your day any number of ways: binging on Netflix, catching up on some reading, alcohol consumption, etc.
What you should have blocked off time for, however, was some classic local news STORM COVERAGE, the annual ritual of reporters standing in front of a camera in poor weather conditions and informing viewers that it is, in fact, snowing.
In all seriousness, Philly is blessed with lots of talented television journalists who really do keep the area up to date with how bad — and sometimes dangerous — the weather is outside the comfort of our homes.
Snow coverage, however, usually produces a unique brand of comedy, especially here in Philly — from Steve Keeley becoming a meme after getting leveled by a snow plow, to residents pelting reporters with snowballs, to Vernon Odom drawing the short straw again.
Hey, @6abc, we need #JusticeForVernon before @Vernon_Odom turns into a #whitewalker. pic.twitter.com/jiSwhKvz1p
— Angela Pierson (@ang_killeen) March 7, 2018
Here are some highlights from Wednesday's storm:
I think this guy was just using the air pump, but maybe not. pic.twitter.com/LQPH5HlS1F
— Dan McQuade (@dhm) March 7, 2018
Deadspin's Dan McQuade captured this gem from FOX29's Jennaphr Frederick at a Wawa during the morning broadcast. Frederick motions the camera to point the other way when she sees a man at an air pump apparently "taking a potty." The video doesn't make clear if the guy was actually peeing or, you know, just using the air pump. I guess we'll just have to trust Frederick, who was ready to get the hell out of the cold as soon as possible.
A whizzer? That’s awesome https://t.co/dvT6ysowtR
— jenn frederick (@JennFredFOX29) March 7, 2018
OUCH! @LaurenDawnFOX29 thought it would be fun to have a snowball fight with some local youngsters. Little did she know, they would show no mercy! #FOX29Snow
— FOX 29 (@FOX29philly) March 7, 2018
FORECAST: https://t.co/CIDDfS1pW4 pic.twitter.com/GI7qaFfDTM
Why is it always FOX29 reporters who seem to produce the most memorable moments? Maybe it's the Mike Jerrick effect. Anyway, Lauren Dawn decided to have a fun little snowball fight with some youngsters. One youngster was either cruel and accurate or misfired unfortunately high, landing a direct hit to Dawn's face. Oof.
Jerrick and his Good Day Philadelphia co-host, Alex Holley, just wrapped up a marathon 12 hours of storm coverage on the air. They went from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This FB post made me crack up. #justiceforvernon @6abc @6abcadamjoseph pic.twitter.com/5YsIyUTw9w
— John Romani (@jwromani) March 5, 2018
There's a buzz on social media after a viral Facebook post noted how 6ABC's veteran reporter Vernon Odom seems to always get the cold weather assignment. Poor, tired Vernon. I'm reminded of the axed Bill Hader "SNL" skit poking fun at "60 Minutes" reporter Bob Simon.
The Santa Clause 2 (2002) pic.twitter.com/Zo0DfdBFO9
— Titus Anjawnicus (@jimadair3) March 7, 2018
No snow coverage roundup would be complete without good ol' Steve. What's going on here? Who knows. At least he's not getting plastered on the side of a highway in New Jersey by the snow and ice thrown from a plow.
Saw something we missed? Send us your snow coverage clips.
