A major winter storm is heading for the Philadelphia area and the Jersey Shore. This nor’easter could bring between 12 to 18 inches of snow, with some places along the coast facing even heavier totals. Blizzard and winter weather warnings are already in effect.
Stay home on Sunday night if you can. Travel could be dangerous due to possible whiteout conditions and high winds. Power outages could also occur because of the storm. If you’re going out, do it early, as roads will quickly become treacherous.
This storm is classified as a potential “bomb cyclone,” meaning it could rapidly intensify. Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on its path, which is expected to shift closer to the coast. The closer it is, the more snow we might see.
The storm’s dynamics are interesting. It can snow even when temperatures are above freezing because of the moisture from the storm. Experts suggest this could lead to very heavy snow rates of up to two inches per hour. While daytime temperatures may reach the 40s, they will drop to near freezing by evening.
If you’re in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County, expect about 8 to 12 inches of snow. In Philadelphia and near I-95, the forecast is 12 to 18 inches. Coastal areas could see 14 to 22 inches or more. So, brace yourself for some serious snow!
Storm Timeline:
- Sunday morning: Spotty rain with temperatures in the mid-30s.
- Sunday afternoon: Rain and slushy snow for some areas, with temperatures dropping.
- Sunday evening: Snow starts around 8 p.m.
- Monday morning: Heavy snow continues, tapering off between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Monday afternoon: Scattered snow showers and high winds.
Alert levels are high for this storm. Blizzard warnings are in place for coastal counties, Delaware, and parts of southeastern Pennsylvania. There are also winter storm watches for Lehigh Valley and Berks County. A coastal flood watch is up for the Jersey Shore, so flooding is a concern too.
To prepare, get your snow removal tools ready, fuel up your car, and make sure you have essentials at home. It’s best to stay indoors during the peak of the storm.
As the week goes on, expect cold temperatures with highs in the 30s and a chance of rain or snow early in the week. By Friday, temperatures are expected to rise into the 40s.
For more detailed forecasts, check out the [National Weather Service](https://www.weather.gov) for updates.
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