Weather: Tracking Snow Totals
By Geoff Bansen
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The snow is piling up, with several inches already being reported across the Delaware Valley. We could be even higher right now had this morning's changeover to snow not taken as long as it did. However, it's really coming down now; rates of up to an inch or two per hour are expected as we move through the afternoon as the precipitation enhances. String together a handful of hours like that, and you'll get some pretty hefty snow totals.
Right now, the bulk of the region is looking at anywhere from four to eight inches of snow, with the highest coming in a central bulls-eye that extends through the heart of the Delaware Valley. With this front nearly stationary and moving so slowly, we've extended that area this morning to include Philadelphia and areas further north.
We expect the snow to begin to taper off from northwest to southeast by late this afternoon and into this evening. Roads will still be sloppy and should make for some hazardous travel conditions. Visibility will be reduced as well. Fortunately, there are few cars out on the roads with kids off from school and many staying home from work. If you have to head out, use extreme caution.
Even after we clear out tonight, the weather headlines aren't finished. Temperatures, which have slowly fallen all day, will plummet tonight as skies clear, with record-breaking cold setting in by the early morning hours.
