Winter Weather, 'Powerful' Storm In Eastern PA Forecast This Week

EASTERN PA — A major storm could be on the way to eastern Pennsylvania, with the potential for severe thunderstorms and heavy rain throughout the region over the weekend, according to forecasters.

A smaller storm is likely to hit parts of the area on Wednesday, which could bring some light snow to the area. The National Weather Service's Mt. Holly branch says that rain showers are likely to be followed by some scattered flurries around the Philadelphia area in the afternoon.

Accumulations are expected to range from negligible to less than an inch.

According to forecasters with the National Weather Service, there is also a slight chance of snow showers in the northern part of the Philadelphia region on Thursday between 10 a.m and noon.

Weekend Storm

A much bigger front is on the way this weekend, as an approaching front will follow a warm weather front that ends the week.

"During the day on Friday, a storm tracking through the central Rockies will shift into the southern and central Plains, developing a new area of low pressure," AccuWeather said. "Chilly air blowing out of the Rockies and northern Plains will clash with warm and humid air flowing out of the Gulf of Mexico, which can spawn a rapidly intensifying storm."

Showers are likely to begin at around 8 a.m., with rain getting steady at around 2 p.m. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 miles an hour, with the storm expected to be most intense on Sunday and Sunday night.

Precipitation is expected to continue through the day Monday, forecasters siad.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast for southeastern Pennsylvania according to the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: A slight chance of rain showers before 4 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Sunday: A chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then rain likely after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday night: Rain. Low around 44. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Monday: Rain likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.