Weather: Wintry Mess
By Geoff Bansen
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The window for dry roads has about ended. The Delaware Valley is now consumed by rain, which will be mixing and changing to snow in many spots over the next several hours. By tomorrow morning, many will be waking up to a white Thanksgiving.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for the Poconos, Lehigh Valley and northern Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties. A Winter Weather advisory is in effect for Philadelphia and nearby suburbs.
Rain will quickly change over to snow to the north and west over the next several hours, where up to 8" or more may accumulate in the Poconos. In the Lehigh Valley we are forecasting 4-6", and 2-4" is expected around Philadelphia and in the northwest suburbs, with a coating to 2" across interior southern New Jersey and northern Delaware. Along the coast, precipitation will mainly be in the form of rain but winds could gusts up to 40 mph and minor tidal flooding could occur.
The storm will wind down this evening and pull out of the area by 11pm, but there is a concern for downed tree branches and power lines especially in the warning areas because of the weight of the clinging snow. This snow will be, heavy, wet, and sloppy. Travel will be difficult once this changeover occurs. Even if you manage to avoid the slow, roads will be slick due to the rain and wet leaves. If you absolutely must travel, be patient and take it slow.
Be smart, be safe, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!