Snow Arrives, Near Blizzard Conditions Possible In Philly Area

PENNSYLVANIA — Snow began to fall Friday morning prompting forecasters and city officials to issue a snow alert and winter storm warning for much of southeastern Pennsylvania.

The National Weather Service warned the region to expect snowfall rates of up to an inch an hour Friday afternoon causing travel hazards and blowing snow.

A winter storm warning is in place from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Winds could gust up to 35 mph and near blizzard conditions are possible on Saturday, forecasters said.

"Accumulating snow will create hazardous travel conditions," the National Weather Service warned. "Blowing and drifting snow is possible."

Snow is anticipated to intensify as Friday night continues and into the overnight hours, eventually slowing down on Saturday afternoon.

Here's the latest forecast:

Friday

A chance of snow before 3 p.m., then rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday night

Snow. Low around 21. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Saturday

Snow, mainly before 1pm. High near 24. Blustery, with a northwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -2. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 28. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.