Winter Storm On The Way
By Katie Fehlinger
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – We have one last dry day before a potent late-season winter storm moves into the region.
On Tuesday, we will see increasing clouds and a seasonable high of 47 degrees. It dips down to 33 degrees Tuesday night with a breeze starting to kick in.
We will see the first raindrops and snowflakes very early Wednesday morning. We can expect a heavy, chilly rain mainly southeast of the city, but wet snow to the north and west.
Initially, any snow will fall as big, fat flakes that will likely melt on roads. But the storm lingers all day and intensifies by Wednesday night; meaning we'll eventually see that snow start to accumulate.
Expect a general 2-4", maybe locally up to 5" to the southwest, and more like an inch or two through the far northwestern counties and along the shoreline.
In addition, throughout the event, strong wind will persist, especially down the shore where gusts could peak at 60+ mph.
The strong wind keeps up Thursday with leftover snow showers with a high of 45. Friday and Saturday are looking nice with more sunshine and milder temps.
Winter Storm Highlights:
Snow Totals:
- General 2-4" in most locations -- including Philly.
- Locally up to 5-6" through southwestern counties (closer to core of storm) (Winter Storm Watches are out for the SW counties and that could be expanded).
- About 1-2" along the shore and up through the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.
Timing:
- An all-day event Wednesday.
- First raindrops/snowflakes by the time we're on the air in the AM (essentially splitting our region in half w/ snow to NW & rain to SE); wind also kicking in.
- By night, any rain will start changing over to snow.
- Snow showers & strong wind linger into Thursday morning.
Main Impacts:
- Coastal flooding (watches out along shore).
- Strong, damaging wind (watches out along shore).
- Possible power outages from wind or weight of snow.
- Slow/slick travel, poor visibility.
