PA Weather: Blizzard Warning Issued

UPDATE: PA Weather: Blizzard Warning Cancelled, Accumulation Predictions Lowered

Forecasters have issued a Blizzard Warning across much of Eastern Pennsylvania as what is being called a "major nor'easter" heads our way. The Blizzard Warning goes from 8 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday as in place in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties, as well as the Lehigh Valley. The rest of the region, including Philadelphia and Delaware counties, is under a winter storm warning.

Snow accumulation of 12 to 16 inches of snow is expected, along with gusty winds and reduced visibility, the National Weather Service predicts.

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"A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions...making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel...have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded...stay with your vehicle," the Blizzard Warning says.

Snow is expected to begin between 10 p.m. and midnight and will become heavy at times, with snowfall rates of three to four inches per hour for several hours Tuesday morning. "Snow may mix with sleet for several hours Tuesday morning which could reduce overall amounts," the NWS said.

Travel on the roads will be perilous, and power outages are possible. PennDOT has already announced speed reductions and restrictions on major highways.

"Heavy snow will make many roads impassable and may produce widespread power outages due to the weight of the snow on tree limbs and power lines," the National Weather Service says.

Wind gusts of up to 35 mph are predicted, and visibility could be less than a quarter-mile during the height of the storm. School closings are likely. The heavy snow and wind trigger will also likely trigger airline delays and flight cancellations, according to AccuWeather

Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday declared a "Disaster Emergency" due to the forecast.

The Weather Channel is calling it a "major nor'easter" that is developing due to a strong area of low pressure off the East Coast. "That low may undergo bombogenesis as it moves northward along the coast through Tuesday night, meaning there will be a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure which indicates strengthening," the Weather Channel said.

Here is the most likely scenario for snowfall, according to the NWS:

Here is the forecast:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Snow, mainly after 2am. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 24. Light east wind becoming northeast 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Tuesday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 28. Blustery, with a north wind 17 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 9 to 13 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Wednesday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Northwest wind 10 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 16.

Patch file photo