Philadelphia Weather: Blizzard Warning expanded; now includes philadelphia weather

A Blizzard Warning will go into effect on Sunday and that now includes Philadelphia, with the heaviest snow set to fall Sunday night and last into Monday. This philadelphia weather event matters now because blowing snow, high winds and coastal impacts could make travel very difficult to impossible and cause isolated power outages.

Warning area and who is covered

The Blizzard Warning will be in effect on Sunday for most of the local viewing area and has been issued specifically for Philadelphia, several suburban Pennsylvania counties, and the entirety of New Jersey and Delaware. Forecasters note that blizzard conditions could affect most of the region through Monday as the storm moves along the coast.

Philadelphia Weather forecast: timing, temperatures and precipitation

Light precipitation is expected to begin Sunday morning, with areas northwest of the city likely starting with light snow showers. On Sunday it will be cloudy and cooler, with rain and snow showers developing and a high near 39 degrees. Ground temperatures are above freezing and air temperatures in the mid 30s, so snow will likely initially melt on contact before temperatures fall later in the day.

Changeover to snow and overnight accumulation risk

As temperatures drop later Sunday evening, any rain or mixed precipitation will change over to snow for all areas. The heaviest snow is set to fall Sunday night and will last into Monday, and that timing overnight creates conditions favorable for accumulation. Drivers are urged to consider staying off roads from Sunday evening through Monday morning as snowfall rates pick up.

Blizzard conditions, wind thresholds and hazards

By definition cited for this event, a blizzard means three or more hours of winds gusting to 35 miles an hour or greater, falling or blowing snow, and visibility less than a quarter of a mile. There are no requirements for the amount of snow when it comes to declaring a blizzard. When blizzard conditions develop, travel could be very difficult to impossible as areas of blowing snow significantly reduce visibility, and gusty winds could bring down tree branches and result in isolated power outages.

Coastal impacts, alerts and storm totals

An alert is posted for Sunday into Monday for heavy snow, blizzard conditions for most of the area, high winds, coastal flooding and beach erosion. Forecasters say the coastal storm will continue to strengthen and move away from the coast by Monday morning, with snow beginning to taper off from west to east. The storm is expected to bring between 12 and 18 inches of snow to coastal areas of South Jersey and Delaware.