Weather Blog: Widespread Snow, Then Brutal Cold
By Katie Fehlinger
PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--Two areas of low pressure are converging on the greater Philadelphia region, set to leave behind significant snow and dangerously cold air. Snowfall begins around sunset and won't let up until Friday late in the morning. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if a lot of kids end up with a 3-day weekend!
Here are the bullet points:
How Much Snow?
Some of our computer model guidance has waffled significantly in the last 24 hours, however the latest runs have begun to show more agreement. As such, Winter Storm Warnings take effect for most of the Delaware Valley Thursday afternoon.
The greater Philadelphia region can expect 4-6" of light fluffy snow. The sweet spot for heavy accumulation goes to the Lehigh Valley and Poconos where we anticipate 6-10" will fall. Meanwhile, southern NJ and central/southern DE likely end up with 2-4".
Travel Impacts
Rush hour traffic will be affected Thursday evening and especially Friday morning as snow starts to cover roads and walkways. Any untreated roads will likely turn slick. Wind becomes an issue as well since the snow will blow and drift easily, causing poor visibility. This is especially true Friday morning.
Air traffic is likely to be delayed as well. Check with your carrier if you have plans to fly anytime through Friday.
Brutal Cold to Follow
Frigid polar air will funnel in behind the storm and combine with a vicious wind as the storm intensifies and pulls away Friday. So while temperatures read into the already brutal upper teens, wind gusts peaking as high as 40 mph will lead to wind chill values as low as -15 to -20 degrees through most of the day.
That's dangerously cold, folks. Stay warm, don't venture out if you don't have to, and take care of your pets - it's dangerous for them, too.
Although not as harsh as Friday, Saturday night looks bitter! Eagles fans will need to bundle up adequately (in team colors, of course!) for the playoff game in south Philly with temperatures no warmer than the low 20's at kickoff. Thankfully, the wind will have long since diminished.
