Snow, Ice, Wind, Flooding Arrive In Eastern PA: Here’s The Timeline

EASTERN PA — The major winter storm front that's moved across the nation much of the past week arrived in the greater Philadelphia area early Thursday. Snow, rain, and wind could lead to flooding, traffic delays, and potentially hazardous conditions.

The forecast has remained largely unchanged for southeastern Pennsylvania, as much of the storm is likely to change from snow to rain by 10 a.m. Freezing rain will continue for some time, the National Weather Service said, and some small amount of ice accumulation is possible as the day wears on.

Wind gusts up to 35 to 40 miles an hour are also forecasted, with even greater gusts at the shore.

However, rain will be the chief impact in the Philly area, with up to two inches falling in some places. A winter weather advisory remains in place for the entire region from 5 a.m. Thursday through noon.

While southeastern Pennsylvania will see primarily rain, the Lehigh Valley and much of central Pennsylvania are likely to see significant snow, forecasters said.

"The heaviest snow and ice will occur just north and west of the Interstate 95 major cities spanning Wednesday night to Saturday, AccuWeather said. "Accumulating snow will fall on approximately 200,000 square miles of the interior Northeast from a large portion of Pennsylvania to nearly all of Maine."

The National Weather Service warned about what the storm will do to the roads, particularly given that it is the first true snow event of the year. Conditions could be treacherous, and it has the potential to back up traffic for some time.

"It's still the time of year where leaves can hamper drainage," the National Weather Sevice's Mount Holly office said in a forecast discussion. "If you plan to be on the road Thursday night, be aware that minor roadway flooding is possible."

Here's the latest forecast:

Thursday

Rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all rain after 10am. High near 44. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday night

Rain. Low around 43. Breezy, with an east wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday

Rain likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Northeast wind around 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday night

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 33. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 43. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 27.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 38.

Sunday night

Clear, with a low around 27.