Major Weekend Storm 'Probable' In PA, Forecasters Warn

A significant winter storm is "probable" this weekend, forecasters with the National Weather Service said in a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued Tuesday. At this point, forecasters are unsure if the system will result in accumulating snow or a wintry mix in the Philadelphia region.

Forecasters are also tracking the possibility of some accumulating snow on Thursday into Friday.

The NWS said the possible one-two punch could mean a slippery Friday morning commute, followed by more winter weather on Saturday and Sunday.

Specific details about the precipitation types and impacts of the weekend storm are not certain at this time. Currently, the NWS is predicting snow that could turn to rain or freezing rain.

"A flash freeze is possible Sunday afternoon and night as arctic air pours into the area," the NWS said.

The Weather Channel says the weekend storm could have heavy impacts on the Northeast.

Prior to the main event, there will be a separate, weaker weather system that will spread light snow through the area. Then, on Saturday, a large area of snow, heavy in some areas, is expected to move across the Northeast, The Weather Channel said in a Tuesday update.

Precipitation could change to rain along at least parts of the I-95 corridor but specifics on when or where that will happen have not yet been pinned down.

AccuWeather meteorologists say they expect a surge of warm air during the storm along the Atlantic coast. "This warm surge is likely to bring rain or a wintry mix at the height of the storm from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston as well as along the immediate coast of Maine,"AccuWeather said, noting enough snow could fall at the front end of the storm to cause impacts.

Local forecasters are warning Philadelphia residents to be prepared for a potential "major" storm.

"All signs are pointing to the potential for a major winter storm this weekend," 6ABC Meteorologist Cecily Tynan said on a Facebook post that has been since shared more than 3,000 times.

Here is the current forecast, check back for updates:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. West wind 7 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming north after midnight.

Thursday: A slight chance of snow after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Light and variable wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Snow before 4am, then rain and snow. Low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday: Rain, possibly mixed with snow showers, mainly before 7am. High near 45. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Saturday: A chance of rain after 1pm, mixing with snow after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: Rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all rain after 7pm. Low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday: Rain, snow, and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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