Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Confidence continues to increase that a significant winter storm will impact the Philadelphia region this weekend, with accumulating snow likely to create widespread travel disruptions.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, snow is most likely to begin Saturday night and continue through Sunday night, with some impacts possibly lingering into early Monday morning. Forecasters say it is now probable that several inches of snow will fall across a large portion of the region.
Current projections show a 60 to 80 percent chance of at least 6 inches of snow across areas northwest of Interstate 95, with probabilities increasing to 80 to 90 percent near and south of the I-95 corridor, including Philadelphia. However, officials caution that exact snowfall amounts and the placement of the heaviest bands remain uncertain and will become clearer as the storm approaches.
There is also a growing possibility that the storm track could allow a brief change to a wintry mix late Sunday over parts of Delmarva and southern New Jersey. Any mixing could affect final snow totals and may lead to slick, icy conditions.
Bitterly cold temperatures are expected to precede the storm, with cold air firmly in place Friday night into Saturday. This will allow snow to accumulate efficiently on roadways once precipitation begins.
Major routes including I-95, I-76, I-295, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike could experience hazardous conditions, especially during Saturday night and Sunday when snowfall rates may be highest. Reduced visibility and snow-covered roads could significantly slow travel.
The National Weather Service urges residents to monitor forecast updates, prepare vehicles and emergency supplies, and consider adjusting weekend travel plans.
For commuters, travelers, and weekend workers, the highest-impact period is expected from late Saturday night through Sunday evening, when snowfall coverage and intensity are most likely to peak across the Philadelphia area.
