Introduction
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Forecasters expect a weekend snowstorm that could bring measurable snowfall totals to Philadelphia.
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Arctic air will move in ahead of snow, with temperatures plunging below freezing and wind chills in the single digits possible.
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Forecast models are still unclear on the impact of the storm on our region, including accumulation amounts and timing.
Philadelphia – Philadelphia is bracing for a severe snowstorm that could bring freezing temperatures and measurable snowfall to our area this weekend.
The latest update from the National Weather Service says there’s an 80% chance that Philadelphia and surrounding areas will see at least 6 inches of snow by Monday.
When will it snow?
what we know
Forecasters believe the first flakes will begin falling sometime early Sunday morning and become more widespread during the day.
Models are still integrating the exact timing of the storm, but forecasters believe the snow will be heavy at times before moving offshore through Monday.
Related: What is a polar vortex? Snow and arctic cold threaten Northeast, why this matters
How much snow will we get?
From a numerical perspective
As of Wednesday morning, it was unclear how much snow the Philadelphia area could expect from the coastal storm.
The National Weather Service said in its latest update that Philadelphia has an 80% chance of seeing at least 6 inches of snow.
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Forecasters believe higher accumulations will be expected south of the I-95 corridor if the storm’s path tilts south.
Hurricane totals could be higher in areas northwest of the I-95 corridor if the storm pushes north.
freezing temperatures
Dig deeper
In addition to the snow, forecasters are warning that temperatures will be very cold, with wind chill making it even colder.
Temperatures in the Philadelphia area are expected to barely break 20 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, with overnight lows in the teens.
get ready for snow
what can you do
Highway crews around the area will spend the next few days securing salt and brine rations and readying snowplows in preparation for the storm.
Plymouth Township Public Works Director Chris Loschiavo told FOX 29 he hopes to receive 500 tons worth of new salt before the snow falls.
In the meantime, residents are urged to do their part to help keep sidewalks and walkways safe by salting and shoveling when necessary.
PECO recommends having a fully charged cell phone and flashlight, as well as extra batteries, in case of a power outage.
Residents are also reminded to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility, and to stay off the roads if conditions worsen.
Philadelphia’s Top Snowstorms
local perspective
It’s been a while since the Philadelphia area has seen a snowstorm as severe as forecasters think it will be this weekend.
The most recent storm of 20 inches or more occurred in late January 2016, when Philadelphia received 22.4 inches of rain.
Here’s what the top snowstorms looked like.
