Major Winter Storm Approaching Philadelphia Area This Weekend

Clarke and Cohen Public Adjusters | January 23, 2026

A significant winter storm is heading toward Philadelphia and more than 2 dozen states this weekend, bringing 6 to 12 inches or more of snow and dangerous ice. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon. With temperatures dropping into the teens and potential ice mixing in, property owners need to act now to protect their homes and businesses.

What to Expect

Snow will begin late Saturday night and continue through Monday morning. The storm will bring heavy accumulations, possible sleet and freezing rain, and wind chills below zero. This combination creates serious risks for roof damage, ice dams, frozen pipes, and power outages.

Protect Your Property Now

Before the Storm Hits:

Clear your gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams. Insulate exposed pipes in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain exterior faucets. Let your faucets drip slightly during the coldest hours to prevent freezing. Keep your thermostat set to 55°F or higher, even when away.

Check weatherstripping around windows and doors. Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located. Trim tree branches that could fall on your property under heavy snow.

Stock emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and medications for at least 72 hours. Charge all devices and have backup power ready. Never use generators indoors.

During the Storm:

Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Monitor your pipes by running water for a brief period every few hours. Keep snow cleared from heating vents and exhaust pipes. Document any damage with photos and videos as safely as possible.

Common Winter Storm Insurance Claims

Ice Dams: When heat escapes through your roof, it melts snow that refreezes at the edges, creating dams that force water under shingles and into your home.

Burst Pipes: Frozen water expands inside pipes, causing them to crack or burst. Even a small break can release hundreds of gallons of water into your property.

Roof Damage: Heavy, wet snow puts tremendous weight on roofs. Watch for sagging ceilings, cracking sounds, or doors that suddenly stick.

Power Surge Damage: Ice and falling trees can damage power lines, causing surges that harm electronics and appliances.

After the Storm

Walk your property looking for damage, but watch for falling ice. Check for water infiltration, damaged siding or gutters, and plumbing leaks. Inspect your roof from the ground using binoculars.

If You Find Damage:

Take extensive photos and videos from multiple angles. Document when and how you discovered the damage. Save receipts for any temporary repairs. Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage, but wait for your insurance adjuster before making permanent fixes.

When to Call Clarke and Cohen

Contact us if your claim is denied, your settlement offer seems too low, the insurance company is delaying, or you’re unsure what’s covered. As public adjusters, we work exclusively for you, not the insurance company. We document all damage, prepare comprehensive claims, and negotiate to get you the maximum settlement under your policy.

Many property owners don’t realize they need help until they’ve already struggled through the claims process. Don’t wait. We work on contingency, so there’s no upfront cost and we only get paid when you do.

What Your Insurance Typically Covers

Most policies cover sudden ice-dam damage, burst-pipe damage, roof collapse from snow weight, and fallen-tree damage to structures. They typically do not cover damage from poor maintenance, gradual leaks, flooding (needs separate flood insurance), or food spoilage.

Clarke & Cohen

Major Winter Storm Approaching This Weekend