Philly Snow Moments: When Weather Became Comedy Gold
In the midst of the biggest snowstorm in decades, it's easy to forget that winter weather can bring some much-needed humor to our lives. Over the years, Philly residents have found creative ways to poke fun at the region's snowy woes.
For one, there's FOX29 reporter Steve Keeley, who got pummeled by a plow on live TV during a March 2014 snowstorm. The harrowing incident occurred when a series of plows approached behind him on Route 40 – about 20 feet away. As Keeley continued his report without missing a beat, the first two plows passed by uneventfully. However, the third plow rumbled closer, sending a curtain of snow directly into his back as his colleagues in the studio shrieked.
Keeley's reaction? "That is the beauty of breaking news." The incident has become an unforgettable moment for the reporter and his viewers alike – a testament to Keeley's composure under pressure.
Another memorable moment came during a December 2010 snowstorm, when Governor Ed Rendell declared America a "nation of wusses" after the NFL postponed a scheduled Eagles game due to tough winter conditions. In a radio interview, Rendell let loose, saying that this was part of what's happened in this country – we've become too scared or wimpy.
The infamous quote sparked a wider conversation about leadership and bravery, with Rendell later writing a New York Times bestseller on the subject. Who can forget his impassioned outburst: "People would have been marching down to the stadium... they would have walked and done calculus on the way down"?
A more lighthearted moment came in February 2010, when Steve Keeley (again!) interviewed a SEPTA bus driver during a snowy afternoon. When passengers boarded without paying their fares, the exasperated driver shouted: "Hey! Y'all better pay!" The clip ended up making its way onto an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
And then there was Einstein, the camel who became a viral sensation after being ordered to appear in a performance at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia had sent Einstein from Peaceable Kingdom Petting Zoo to entertain crowds that night – but the storm got in the way.
Finally, there's Lauren Johnson, FOX29 reporter, who was hit in the face with a snowball during a March 2018 snowball fight with local youngsters. Despite being drenched, she took it in stride and even joked about it on air.
As we navigate this latest snowstorm, let's not forget to laugh at ourselves and find the humor in our surroundings. After all, as Steve Keeley said so aptly, "that is the beauty of breaking news."
In the midst of the biggest snowstorm in decades, it's easy to forget that winter weather can bring some much-needed humor to our lives. Over the years, Philly residents have found creative ways to poke fun at the region's snowy woes.
For one, there's FOX29 reporter Steve Keeley, who got pummeled by a plow on live TV during a March 2014 snowstorm. The harrowing incident occurred when a series of plows approached behind him on Route 40 – about 20 feet away. As Keeley continued his report without missing a beat, the first two plows passed by uneventfully. However, the third plow rumbled closer, sending a curtain of snow directly into his back as his colleagues in the studio shrieked.
Keeley's reaction? "That is the beauty of breaking news." The incident has become an unforgettable moment for the reporter and his viewers alike – a testament to Keeley's composure under pressure.
Another memorable moment came during a December 2010 snowstorm, when Governor Ed Rendell declared America a "nation of wusses" after the NFL postponed a scheduled Eagles game due to tough winter conditions. In a radio interview, Rendell let loose, saying that this was part of what's happened in this country – we've become too scared or wimpy.
The infamous quote sparked a wider conversation about leadership and bravery, with Rendell later writing a New York Times bestseller on the subject. Who can forget his impassioned outburst: "People would have been marching down to the stadium... they would have walked and done calculus on the way down"?
A more lighthearted moment came in February 2010, when Steve Keeley (again!) interviewed a SEPTA bus driver during a snowy afternoon. When passengers boarded without paying their fares, the exasperated driver shouted: "Hey! Y'all better pay!" The clip ended up making its way onto an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
And then there was Einstein, the camel who became a viral sensation after being ordered to appear in a performance at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia had sent Einstein from Peaceable Kingdom Petting Zoo to entertain crowds that night – but the storm got in the way.
Finally, there's Lauren Johnson, FOX29 reporter, who was hit in the face with a snowball during a March 2018 snowball fight with local youngsters. Despite being drenched, she took it in stride and even joked about it on air.
As we navigate this latest snowstorm, let's not forget to laugh at ourselves and find the humor in our surroundings. After all, as Steve Keeley said so aptly, "that is the beauty of breaking news."
what a legend! i mean who else can turn being almost crushed to death into a funny story? the way he just kept reporting like nothing was happening is insane 
. and those septa bus driver clips are priceless too 
. it's amazing how much laughter and joy you can find in a city that takes itself pretty seriously. 
i feel like we've all been there at some point where we're like "screw the snow" or something 
anyway, these Philly moments are definitely a silver lining in this crazy weather 
. I guess that's what they mean by "breaking news" being all about going with the flow 
.
. but hey, i guess you gotta hand it to steve keeley, he kept his cool under pressure 
. and omg, the camel at the kimmel center was THE BEST 
. who comes up with this stuff?! anywayz, snow is just part of life in philly, so let's all just laugh about it together 
i mean, who else but him could make a snowstorm sound cool? 
also, that septa bus driver was low-key the real hero of that clip 
and einstein tho... a camel in Philly