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A nor’easter is expected to bring heavy snow to parts of New Jersey and Delaware this weekend.
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Philadelphia and much of the I-95 corridor could see some snow if the storm stays on its current track.
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Even where snow is limited, strong winds and extreme cold can affect the region.
Philadelphia – An East Coast nor’easter is expected to affect parts of New Jersey and Delaware this weekend, but forecasters say Philadelphia will likely remain on the western side of the storm, limiting snowfall for the city until the system changes.
What do we know?
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the storm is expected to track offshore, leaving much of the snow east of major population centers along the I-95 corridor.
Current forecasts show the most significant snowfall for the region along the South Jersey coastline and parts of coastal Delaware, while areas farther inland remain near the storm’s cutoff zone.
Find the latest winter weather forecast here
Forecasters stress that small changes in a storm’s track — even 50 miles east or west — can significantly change snowfall totals, especially for cities like Philadelphia.
What to Expect in New Jersey and Delaware
High snowfall in coastal areas
The highest snowfall is expected in coastal New Jersey, especially in coastal communities, while parts of Delaware, especially near the coast, are expected to receive snow in the 1 to 3 inch range.
In these areas, accumulating snow combined with gusty winds could create hazardous travel conditions, especially late Saturday into Sunday.
Coastal flooding, hurricane forecast
The National Weather Service predicts immediate coastal northerly winds of 40-50 mph and widespread minor coastal flooding. Wind gusts of 30-40 mph are possible inland.
Flooding in combination with colder temperatures can lead to the added threat of tidal water freezing on roads.
In this scenario, coastal low tracks move eastward into the Atlantic Ocean away from the East Coast, often producing the heaviest snow offshore. This result will provide a glimpse of snow on the coast with minimal effects inland.
where effects may be limited
In Philadelphia, much of southeastern Pennsylvania, and western New Jersey, snowfall is expected to be light, with little accumulation expected.
These areas sit close to intense snowfall patterns, meaning impacts can change quickly if the storm’s path adjusts.
Related: What Are Nor’easters and Bomb Cyclones? How major east coast winter storms form
Wind and cold have become a matter of concern in the district
Although Philadelphia will largely miss the snow, strong winds and very cold air will affect the entire region this weekend. Windy winds can make temperatures feel much cooler and create areas of light snow or earlier rain.
Wind chills are expected to drop into the single digits and into the teens, increasing the risk of icy conditions on untreated roads and sidewalks.
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Timing: What to Expect
Saturday: Clouds increase as storms develop with cold and windy conditions.
Saturday Night Sunday: The snow is mainly intense east of Philadelphia, with the strongest winds and coldest wind chills.
Sunday: The snow gradually recedes from south to north, but cold and strong winds persist.
Why should you care?
Coastal areas could see dangerous winter conditions, and strong winds and cold temperatures will affect travel and outdoor activities throughout the region.
Forecasters urge residents to closely monitor updates if the storm’s track changes.
what now
Forecasters will continue to revise the forecast through Saturday. Any change in the storm’s path could bring heavy snow near the I-95 corridor or limit impacts to coastal areas.
source
This article was written using information from the FOX Forecast Center and FOX Weather Reporting.
