Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Drivers across the Philadelphia region could face sudden whiteout conditions and rapidly deteriorating road conditions this afternoon as a secondary cold front sweeps through southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
According to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, a reinforcing cold front is expected to move through the region between early afternoon and early evening. During that window, scattered rain and snow showers may develop, with the potential for brief but intense snow squalls. These squalls can produce rapid drops in visibility, gusty winds, and slick roads within minutes.
Temperatures are expected to peak around midday in the mid to upper 40s before falling quickly behind the front into the 30s. The sharp temperature drop combined with snow bursts raises the risk for flash freezing on untreated roads, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Winds will strengthen significantly behind the front, with gusts reaching 40 to 45 mph through the afternoon and early evening. These gusts may cause blowing snow in any heavier squalls and could bring down small tree limbs or unsecured objects. Power disruptions are possible but expected to be isolated.
The highest travel risk is expected along major corridors including Interstate 95, Interstate 76, Interstate 295, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Route 1. Areas north and west of the city, including Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Lehigh counties, may see more frequent snow showers, while brief squalls could still affect the Philadelphia metro and South Jersey.
Drivers are urged to slow down immediately if visibility drops, avoid sudden braking, and delay non-essential travel during heavier snow bursts. Winds and colder air will linger into the evening, but snow showers should taper after sunset.
Additional advisories or Snow Squall Warnings may be issued with little notice as the front moves through later today.
