WEATHER: Blizzard Warning In Effect Tonight As Winter Storm Moves In
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The only change this morning to this storm is that it is moving a little faster and a slight shift farther northward.
Typically, southern storms do come in a little faster than anticipated and a northward shift would increase snow amounts in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos.
A Blizzard Warning will go into effect at 7 p.m. tonight through 10 a.m. Sunday for Philly and surrounding areas. Elsewhere, a Winter Storm Warning will go in effect at 7 p.m. tonight through 10 a.m. Sunday. A blizzard means winds of at least 35mph and visibility less than 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours.
TIMING: As of now, clouds will increase through the day with light snow developing as early as 7 p.m. for Philly and surrounding suburbs, earlier south amd east of the city and later north of the city. The snow will then become heavy at times overnight through Saturday Afternoon. The steady snow will then begin to taper off Saturday night.
IMPACTS: Hazardous/Dangerous travel will occur tonight through early Sunday morning. Strong winds will develop late Friday night and continue through Saturday, with winds possibly gusting to 40mph inland. Expect blowing and drifting snow and possible power outages.
READ: PHL Cancels All Flights Saturday Ahead Of Winter Storm
COASTAL IMPACTS: The strong northeast winds combined with a full moon will cause higher than normal tides, so coastal flooding will occur along the NJ & Delaware coasts. High tides along the oceanfront will be around 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Nearshore waves will be 12ft or higher so expect beach erosion. A coastal flood warning and high wind warning is in effect tonight through Sunday morning. Power outages are also expected.
AMOUNTS: The biggest concern is where will the northern cutoff of the heaviest snow be and if sleet mixes in. Offshore ocean water temperatures are well above average and could cause sleet, which would cut down accumualations. As of now, 12-16" is expected for Philly and surrounding areas with lesser amounts the farther north and south you go. Rain and Sleet will also mix in along the coast keeping the amounts 3-6" there.
