Philadelphia, Pa. – Heavy, wet snow is spreading across eastern Pennsylvania tonight as a powerful bomb cyclone lifts up the East Coast, prompting blizzard warnings and urgent calls for residents to avoid travel and protect their health. Snow will intensify overnight and peak Monday, creating dangerous road conditions and periods of near whiteout visibility from Philadelphia to the Lehigh Valley.
According to NOAA and the National Weather Service, blizzard warnings extend across portions of eastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Allentown, Bethlehem and surrounding counties. Winter storm warnings also cover communities north toward Scranton and south into Chester and Montgomery counties. Some areas in the broader Mid-Atlantic region could approach 30 inches of snowfall, with heavy bands pivoting through the state during the day Monday.
The storm’s greatest hidden danger may come after the snow stops falling. This system is producing dense, moisture-laden snow that weighs far more than typical powder. That added weight can bring down tree limbs and strain power lines, increasing the risk of outages across Bucks, Northampton and Lehigh counties. It also makes shoveling especially hazardous. Health officials urge residents to take frequent breaks, push snow instead of lifting it and avoid overexertion, particularly those with heart or respiratory conditions. Hospitals often see a rise in cardiac emergencies following major snowstorms.
Travel is strongly discouraged except for emergencies. PennDOT warns that major routes including Interstate 76, Interstate 95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike may become snow-covered and treacherous during peak snowfall Monday. If stranded, officials advise staying inside your vehicle with a winter emergency kit rather than attempting to walk in blizzard conditions.
Heavy snow and strong winds will gradually taper late Monday into Tuesday. Additional advisories may follow as the storm moves into northern New England.
