Wnep School Closings, wnep school closings: Blizzard Warning Intensifies in Philadelphia Region

A Blizzard Warning is in effect for much of the Philadelphia region as the storm intensifies, with the heaviest snow expected Sunday night into Monday (ET). The warning, high winds and the forecast for heavy snow mean travel could become very difficult to impossible, a situation that makes inquiries about wnep school closings particularly salient for families and commuters.

Wnep School Closings Guidance

The storm is forecast to shift precipitation to snow for all areas by Sunday evening, creating conditions favorable for accumulation overnight. Temperatures are expected to fall from a daytime high near 39 degrees into the 30s later in the day, which will allow rain and mixed precipitation to change over to snow. When blizzard conditions develop—defined as three or more hours of winds gusting to 35 miles per hour or greater combined with falling or blowing snow and visibility under one-quarter mile—travel can be extremely hazardous or impossible. That escalation in conditions is the primary factor driving school-closing decisions and related community guidance.

wnep school closings: Travel impacts

Light precipitation is expected to begin Sunday morning, with areas northwest of the city starting with light snow showers. Initial snow may melt on contact where ground temperatures remain above freezing, while a mix of rain and snow is likely around Philadelphia and rain showers are expected for areas south and east. As temperatures drop late in the day, the changeover to snow and the timing of the heaviest precipitation overnight create ideal conditions for significant accumulation and rapidly deteriorating travel conditions.

Storm strength, hazards and forecast numbers

Gusty winds accompanying the storm could reach or exceed the threshold for blizzard conditions and may bring down tree branches, leading to isolated power outages. An alert has been posted for Sunday into Monday covering heavy snow, blizzard conditions, high winds, coastal flooding and beach erosion. Coastal areas and parts of interior South Jersey and Delaware are expected to see between 12 and 18 inches of snow. Drivers are urged to use caution and consider staying off the roads from Sunday evening through Monday morning (ET) as snowfall rates pick up.

Immediate outlook and what to watch

By Monday morning (ET), snow is expected to begin tapering off from west to east as the coastal storm continues to strengthen and move away from the coast. Key observable indicators that will determine local conditions include surface temperatures, overnight snowfall rates and wind gusts. If winds sustain gusts at or above 35 miles per hour for multiple hours while heavy snow is falling or blowing, visibility will drop below one-quarter mile and travel conditions could shift from very difficult to impossible.

Key takeaways:

• Blizzard Warning in effect for the Philadelphia region; heaviest snow Sunday night into Monday (ET).
• Expect rain changing to snow as temperatures fall from around 39 degrees into the 30s.
• Forecast of 12–18 inches for coastal areas and parts of interior South Jersey and Delaware; gusty winds may cause isolated outages.

Officials are advising caution and recommending that drivers consider avoiding travel during the peak overnight snowfall. Those monitoring wnep school closings and local operational decisions should be prepared for updates as conditions evolve overnight and into Monday morning (ET).