♪ right now at 11:00 gearing up for the first big snowstorm of the season. crews are loading up the plow trucks with salt and they are ready to tackle the roads as soon as the first flakes fall. shelves at local supermarkets are looking bare tonight. people all over the tri-state area are stocking up on the the searches ahead of the storm. right now parts of our region are under a blizzard watch. this is a live look at storm scan3 and you can see the storm

brewing there in the south. soon it will head north toward us. all eyes are on this major winter storm tonight. good evening everyone i'm jessica dean. >> i'm ukee washington. it's not just the snow but heavy winds that are expected to cause problems this weekend. we are live team coverage for you as we all get ready for what's headed this way. let's start with meteorologist kate bilo. she's in the weather sent with new information. kate? >> that's right, it feel like we've been talking about this storm for so long but finally it's here. we can see it on the radar we can see it gathering strength we can see this storm is a powerful house it has lot of moisture with it that moisture conveyor belt from the gulf of mexico really bringing in the heavy rainfall over portions of georgia, portions of alabama, mississippi and some snow around the back edge in arkansas tonight and all of this is heading to the north where it will tap into very warm ocean water chem hers which will help to add moisture to the system and add energy to it as well as it moves into the northeast. we'll zoom in on it for you

right now again you can see that heavy rain falling at the moment. some of that could end up being snow. really around the back edge what we're looking at as moisture gets thrown back around the back side of the storm especially through the day on saturday. so when can we expect the snow to begin? this time tomorrow oy do expect it to be snowing here in philadelphia. in delaware and southern new jersey this will start late evening tomorrow i think you'll get the commute in six to 9:00 p.m. your start time there in the city and suburb highlighting around 9:00 p.m. that feels right to me i think that's what we're looking at seven to 11:00 your window here. far northwest and lehigh valley 10:00 p.m. to 1am on saturday and in the poconos early saturday morning the snow will start. we're under a blizzard watch for much of our area including philadelphia the nearby northwest suburbs and much of south jersey blizzard watch not only heavy falling snow but very strong gusty winds will be whipping that snow around leading to very low visibles during the storm. blizzard warning has been posted for the baltimore and dc areas as well those are the areas still looking like they're in the bulls eye for heaviest snow

with this storm coastal flood watch up and down the eastern see bore as flood log occur with those battering northeast winds all weekend long. here's the first look at our snow map. 12 to 16-inches up and down the i-95 corridor a foot of snow possibly even more in f heavier amounts to the south and west coming up i'll tell you why the amounts are lower to the south and east and also on the north and west and tell you when the storm finally gets out of here coming up in just a few moments. ukee, back over to you. >> kate, see you and that, thank you. governor tom wolf all right declared a state of emergency in pennsylvania. and he's offing some advice ahead of the storm. >> i you were all residents to heed all warnings and alerts from emergency management officials and law enforcement officials. your safety and the safety of all pennsylvanian social security my top priority. >> tonight philadelphia mayor jim kenney repairing to lead the city through the first big snowstorm of his teen your. he's asking neighbors to pitch in and help one another. our natasha brown is at city

hall with more how everyone is getting ready for our first major snowstorm. natasha. >> reporter: ukee, we can tell that you the streets depth began treating city streets about 7:00 o'clock this evening. meantime city officials have stopped short of declaring a snow emergency but that could all change within the next 24 hours. >> it's going to be his first snowstorm. >> reporter: six month old glenn's first snow and 17 days into his first term as mayor, it's may jim kenney's first snowstorm since taking office. >> planked by city officials mayor kenney discussed snow preparations that have already gotten underway in the city ahead of the approaching snowstorm. 400 plows and more than 600 city employees are sitting at the ready waiting to take on whatever mother nature bring. >> with this storm there's going to be some high winds, so we're really focused on the potential for power outages, um and downed trees.

we are leaning towards a snow emergency declaration but again we're not making that decision until tomorrow. >> reporter: if and when a snow emergency is activated anyone parked along snow emergency routes will have to move their cars. mayor kenney also making storm drain cleaning a priority to prevent flooding after the storm. but the mayor mostly appeal to the humanity of fellow residents calling upon philadelphians to look out for each other. >> i want to ask philadelphians to be safe ton look out for each other. try to help your neighbors were the storm is over. clear the steps. check on our seniors and people who are shut in. just let's work together as neighbors and citizens together. >> reporter: in south philly where parking and narrow streets often make plowing a problem carly about to get hunkered do down. >> it's fine as long as you have a spot. you just bunker in and go to the store to get food to make crock pot recipes for the weekend. >> it's horrible. you can find anywhere to park. the kids love it but i hate it. >> reporter: not everyone shares that same sent many.

>> i really ready for the snow. >> reporter: at least somebody is ready for the snow. meantime city officials say they will likely activate the emergency operations center op friday as you can imagine they are closely monitoring this storm tweaking plans as necessary and now we understand there will be another briefing here at city hall at noon on friday. we're live at city hall tonight natasha brown cbs3 "eyewitness news". >> natasha, thank you. the winter storm will be the largest test of the jersey shore's post sandy recovery. "eyewitness news" reporter diana rock can he live in brigantine where many there are bracing for severe flooding. diana. >> reporter: that's right jessica flooding is the big concern down here for this weekend's storm which is why many residents living in low lying areas have already been asked to move their vehicles to higher ground. with sandy still fresh in the minds of many here, they are not taking any chances when it comes to preparing for this weekend's storm.

light wind was blowing over the water in brigantine thursday evening. the calm before what is sure to be a very active winter storm. >> 24 hours out our best advice to everybody is prepare for the worst definitely plan for flooding, high winds, there's a possibility we'll lose electric. >> reporter: with seven to 8-foot tides expected for the injuries seashore over the weekend flooding is the main concern. emergency management is working around the clock through the height of the storm. they've been busy closing flood gates and beaches. while some businesses will remain open, the director of emergency management in brigantine is already asking residents to stay home. >> our concern is saturday morning and afternoon at the height of the storm we may experience the white out blizzard conditions and we don't want folk out there. >> now we're all on guard for any storm especially a storm like thi this headed our way. >> businesses taking in furniture preparing for high wind and flooding. >> this is the water mark during sandy. 34-inches side. >> in see ale mike's seafood

lifted their equipment higher than sandy's flood line. >> i just -- it's better to be prepared. >> seafood cases are empty. no fresh clams, mussels or shrimp since all of the fishing boats are now tied in. and are hoping beach replenishment project will stick to help ward off the rising icy tied. and as for is this residents who have not yet check on their shore homes office of emergency management is asking that you wait till the storm is over to do so if you have any major concerns call the police department. we're live in brigantine tonight diana rocco cbs3 "eyewitness news". >> thank you diane n as you might imagine travel is shaping up to be a nightmare with this storm. amtrak is scaling back and american airlines has already canceled some flights for tomorrow and all flights out of philadelphia on saturday. "eyewitness news" reporter david spunt is at philadelphia international airport right now where things will soon be slowing down. david? >> reporter: ukee, yes it really will be the next couple of days or so about an hour ago it was busy here things are

start to go slow down tonight. but earlier we were inside the terminal inside baggage claim and we spot add lot of people. the big reason for that ukee is because folks are actually changing their plans a lot of people are deciding to come in a little bit early deciding to leave early to try to beat that snow that we're expected to get in the next day or so here in the philadelphia area. other people are taking travel vouchers you mentioned american airlines they are canceling all of their flights in and out of philadelphia also some international flights are doing the same thing and i suspect some other flights will be doing that as well. american flights. high a chance to speak to a limousine driver inside and another man inside who basically just said that they are already noticing a big change. >> i think it's been a little crazier because of people knowing the storm is coming. i've had people that have shortened vacation plans to just be home before the storm hits which is actually a good idea.

>> going to a convention in atlantic city. we're beating your snowstorm. i'd rather be snowed in than can't get in. >> reporter: that guy naturally taking proactive approach. switching things over to 30th street station and amtrak, that is a very similar situation ukee and jessica. right now there are no major cancellations going on with amtrak, but it is possible that will change. there will be possibly some travel vouchers after all you have some trips coming from the south from north carolina from should other parts that will be affected as well amtrak officials are urging everybody to pay close attention and call amtrak if they need to make change. so that is the story here at airport and at 30th street station because clearly travel will be affected. reporting live to newark david spunt cbs3 "eyewitness news". >> all right, david, thanks so much. looming snowstorm always leads to a crowd at the grocery store. "eyewitness news" at wegmans in cherry hill tonight. a lot of people there stocking up and understandably they all want to be -- don't want to be

snowed in without any food in the house. many were also preparing for possible loss of power. when the wint weather hits you can help us tell the story. we're asking to you share your snow photos with us on facebook, twitter, instagram. use the hash tag cbs3 snow and you could see them right here on "eyewitness news". >> and we have got you covered as we keep our eye on the storm. coverage begins tomorrow morning at 4:30. we will bring you live updates throughout the day leading to expanded coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. and we'll be with you throughout the night with complete coverage on "eyewitness news" at 11:00. >> in other news tonight bill cosby won a legal battle today a judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit brought by a pittsburgh woman. the woman claimed cosby made her out to be a liar and extortion any of the after she went public alleging the comedian drugged and assaulted her. she's appealing the ruling. cosby is schedule to appear in montgomery county court februa february 2nd for a different case. he is charged with assaulting a woman at his cheltenham home in 2004. philadelphia city council introduced new safety alleges

laying regarding those popular hover boards. children under 12 years of age must wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist pads. if not parents have to pay a $25 fine. amazon is offering full refunds to anyone who bought a haver board. the cdc says the website removed several brands of the product a mid increased reports of the scooters catching fire. the cheesesteak is a staple of philadelphia food culture. >> yes it is but people ordering up cheesesteaks at pat's in south philly today may have done a double take. still ahead renowned chef mark vetri is cooking up a mighty tasty sandwich as vittoria woo ill finds out exactly what make it the king of all steaks. also a prestigious honor for south jersey world war ii veteran. we'll tell you about the distinguished award he received decades after his heroic act. >> also our eye on the storm coverage continues and we're not the only ones bracing for heavy snow. kate?

>> that's right, jessica. we are expecting very heavy snow not only here in philadelphia but it could be the biggest storm possibly of all time in portions of the dc area, portions of virginia. we'll talk more about that we'll track the storm and have the latest timing and latest amounts for you coming up as soon as we come back. ♪

>> we are not alone in this winter wet. washington, d.c. is bracing for a big snowfall well over foot of snow expected there. fast-moving clipper system moved through d.c. overnight and that system created very icy conditions and a lot of accidents. officials say they will not be caught off guard for the big storm. it starts tomorrow night. they are also urging extreme caution. much like officials here. kate will have the latest on our forecast in just a few minutes. in tonight's taste with tori people orderin ordering up chees

at pat's king of steaks may have done a double take in line film working the grill wore noun chef mark vetri. with tour ya woodill is live at pat's in south philly right now. chef vetri's best appearance all for a good cause. >> reporter: all for a great cause. it's actually for the vetri community partnership and did you know that mark vetri is from abington? i have to say, for me and for him to getting to behind that grill at the one of the most iconic cheesesteak places in philadelphia it blew our minds. it was probably the best day of our lives wait until you see this. check this out. >> ♪ >> reporter: do you want to know philadelphia? peer through the glass of pat's king of steaks and watch a delicious piping hot gooey role made with brotherly love and lusciously layered with sisterly savorily flavor.

>> what make original pat's steaks it's made at pat's steaks in the original locate. no secret what we do here. the bread is fresh every day the meat is fresh. onions are fresh and we craft cheese whiz and america and provolone. the buses, the pigeons are the people you see outside. that's what make it authentic. >> frank owner of pat's king of steaks has been running the block for years as the originateds the check sandwich in 1930 and he's been joining local chefs for a rare twist on their steaks. isn't we're having local chefs come in and make their interpretation of a pat's cheesesteak sandwich. >> it's all for charity. >> today's partnership with mark vetri foundation. all the proceeds he raises today i'll match or probably double. >> did you hear that? the mark vetri. aka the best italian chef in the country behind the holy grill and it's all to benefit the vetri community partnership that

helps kids with healthy eating and healthy living. >> we really focus on healthy school lunches. eating right. we're not saving the world. we're not, you know, sending anyone to the moon. we're just making our small difference and if everybody sort of made their small difference, man, that would be amazing. >> just as mazing as hometown boy's take on pat's cheesesteak with fried, cheese, cherry peppers with fried onions. >> whiz on it, too. >> come on. >> come on! >> take bite. take bite. >> and philadelphia i made one mistake. turning my back on my steak. >> get in there. >> frank swooped in there like you wouldn't believe. i don't blame him. you know how we can about cheesesteak. but this really was one of best days of at any time with tori ever. when you get to go to pat's king of station and go behind the grill, mark vetri was little nervous. i have to tell you guys did he

say because he's from here and actually his father grew up right around the corner about five blocks away, he setter when he picked up that paddle, he was shaking a little nervous. so it was definitely an amazing day for all of us and we set up a link on cbsphilly.com if you want to find more out about vetri's community partnership. really a fantastic organization and he's doing great things. >> they really do. it look like did he them proud. no problems there. >> good eating for good cause. all right. >> thank you tori. appreciate it. take some of those steaks and hunker down this weekend. >> get a deliver row to the newsroom. >> that's a good idea. >> i'm putting it out there. shout out. >> we'll need some food no matter where you are. a lot of people buying up all the bread. you may need to move to the snack aisle and stock up on snacks. you definitely want to try to stay put as much as possible. >> no doubt. >> i said on twitter earlier today stay inside and someone said why would we stay inside it's fun outside i meant to say stay home if you can stay home on saturday, get outside, build

a snowman with the kids may in the snow but i'll tell you don't be on the roads through the day saturday. if you can avoid it. we have a blizzard watch in effect for the philadelphia area. take look at that storm. it is really really strength thenning quickly we've been talking about this for days and days since it was just a baby shortwave out over the pacific ocean. now here she is and all her glory. you can see a lot of heavy rain with this wrap around snow on the back edge this storm has a ton of moisture that is going to throw back along the east coast as we head into the weekend. and it is cold enough to that that is going to be snow. pri tee much all snow for our area although a along the coast and into portions of south jersey we'll have to watch for some mixing. blizzard watch as i mention in there effect starting tomorrow evening until sunday morning that's that pinkish purple color you see there. lower bucks montgomery county eastern chester county much of south jersey. that indicates that not only is the snow going to be falling heavily, the winds are going to be picking it up and blowing it around. blizzard has nothing to do with how much snow is on the ground. it's all about winds and

visibility. you need three hours plus of winds sustain over 35 miles an hour and visibility below a quarter mile that is not the kind of condition you want to be out driving around n you can't see in front of you the roads will be snow covered. i can't you were it enough stay and side during this storm. take look at 5:00 o'clock tomorrow the precip shield getting into baltimore and d.c. they'll a rough go of this biggest storm ever in dc was 28-inches this one has a chance to arrival it. looks like it could be top five at the very least. for us here in philadelphia that precip gets around 9:00 p.m. the time i've been highlighting all week still looks good to me. heading through the day saturday, bands of very very heavy snow. look at that moisture getting thrown back from the atlantic ocean we have a warm ocean water temperatures that will strengthen the storm off the coast. saturday morning into the early afternoon probably the heft yesterday of the snow and then in the evening it may wind down a bit we can get a back edge band come through saturday night with yet another round of heavy snow. it will be dumping snow all day long. winds could gust between 40 and

50 miles per hour in the city. 50 to 60 miles an hour down the shore major coastal impacts the biggest test for the shore line possibly since super storm sandy with pronounced battering of coastline and all that water piling up along the coast as well. so 12 to 16-inches along the i-95 core dove. lesser amounts down the shore. and to the north and west we've got to watch for that. again giving you the red light for travel as we head through saturday that will be the worse of the it dangerous travel through the entire day. a couple of things to watch. wild cards northwest cut off zone you can have towns in the northern lehigh valley get a whole lot less than towns in the southern lehigh valley. convective banding can drop inches in a couple of hours. how far inland that mick line travels in new jersey something to watch as well. through tonight mainly clear, cold and quiet, 23 degrees. bulls eye day on the seven day forecast is of course saturday. midnight to midnight heavy snow next week the thing is usual get a blast of air behind these storms. not this time. in fact sunday we may start to

melt it a in the 40s next week. >> how about that right now the calm before the winter storm. >> yes. >> thanks kate. >> don the weather is affecting everything. >> everything. messing up everybody's tickets to the game on saturday, you might want to rethink that. mother nature disrespecting college hoops. we'll explain. plus the flyers were cruising and then they weren't. how matchup again the penguins took a turn for the

the great at the time rivalry in sports have give and take nature much you win one, i win one. when it comes to the penguins the flyers have been all take lately. their visiting pittsburgh and looking for their ninth straight win against their rifles. highlights we go. first period we go the flyers jump out to an early lead. power lay they go. brayden schenn gets the goal right there. they're up two to nothing after the first. in the second the pennsylvania

come storming back. pittsburgh scores three in the stan s flyers down four-two. the captain with the goal to make it four-three. last chance for the flyers. under tepp seconds left, brayden schenn fans -- the flyers lose four-three on the road. big scramble in the big five because of snow they're switch up that are schedules to avoid the weather. three games on sunday instead of saturday. villanova and prof den at 1:00. st. joe's takes on lasalle at 5:00 and temple will host smu but game time has to the been announced for that one as of yet. go ahead and keep cbsphilly.com for the latest details. as for the pros we reached out to the sixers about their game on saturday against the celtics in south philly as of right now there are no plans to postpone that thing. the sixers won their sixth game of the year last night when they beat the or land do magic.

that was their first win of the year against the eastern conference. by the way, no update on nerlins noel who left the game with migraine headache. terrell owens keeping busy these days. to jumped on board butter fingers super bowl campaign. basically but finger is epp couraging all players players to sell big plays like to used to if they get rental penalized the candy company will pay $50,000 in fines. to just in new york city just shaking it out for random peace. what up with that? we'll see if the campaign actually works on sunday the afc champion shim game is right here on cbs3. patriots against the broncos at 3:00 with a trip to the super bowl on the line. the nfl today gets the party started at 2:00. >> let's go denver. >> you've been very vocal about that. >> i got issue with the patrio patriots. >> there you go. >> what if the balls are fully inflated.

the community honors of the military service of hero in cam county. >> lawmakers presented ward war two veteran with a proclamation in run need he was an army scout who fought in the european theater with the 253rd infantry regimen. his division was the first to cross the ryan river into german territory to help free france. he is the recipient of the bronze star and two purple hea hearts. >> we'll be right back. ♪