Philadelphia snow forecast: Winter storm watch issued, measurable snow expected Sunday
Sunday snow storm: Possible snow totals and Philly & NJ storm prep
FOX 29 Meteorologist Scott Williams details how many inches of snow to expect in the area for this Sunday's impending snow storm. Plus, FOX 29's Kelly Rule sees how Philadelphia is preparing with city and state agencies mobilizing resources and residents expressing concerns after recent snow-related challenges. FOX 29's Shawnette Wilson reports how the Jersey Shore is preparing for predicted snowfall this weekend, with residents and businesses stocking up on supplies and NJDOT preparing road crews and equipment.
PHILADELPHIA - The chance of snow in the Philadelphia area this weekend is becoming more likely, but exactly how much will fall remains uncertain.
Forecasters are monitoring the track of the looming coastal storm, which will ultimately decide if we get a little or a lot of snow.
Winter Storm Watch
What we know:
The National Weather Service has issued a region-wide Winter Storm Watch beginning Sunday at 6 a.m. until Monday evening.
The weather advisory calls for "heavy snow, with total snow accumulations exceeding 6 inches possible."
When will it snow?
What we know:
Forecasters say the latest models show the storm starting as rain on Sunday around lunchtime before changing to widespread snow.
FOX 29's Drew Anderson says South Jersey and Delaware will see rain to start, while areas north of Philadelphia will see mostly snow.
The storm is expected to last throughout Sunday night into Monday afternoon, according to the latest models.
How much will it snow?
By the numbers:
Forecasters say the amount of snow that will fall Sunday into Monday depends almost entirely on the track of the coastal storm.
The latest snowfall totals from FOX Weather show most of New Jersey into Philadelphia is set to receive 5-8" of snow.
Suburbs north and west of the city have the potential for 3-5", while places along the shore could see double-digit snowfall totals.
If the storm hugs the coast, forecasters say there will be greater impacts, including coastal flooding, wind, snow/wintry mix and more.
If it passes to the south, however, there will still be some light snow, but the storm won't be a major weather event.
The latest probability of more than 6" of snow in Philadelphia and surrounding areas is less than 40%, with higher chances north.
Half-and-half weekend
What's next:
This weekend will have a little bit of everything starting with a damp and dreary Friday, followed by a near-perfect sunny Saturday.
Rain, which may be heavy at times, is expected to wrap up around lunchtime on Friday, leaving behind mild temps and dense clouds.
The sun will reemerge on Saturday and temperatures will skyrocket into the 50s with spotty clouds ahead of Sunday's weather event.
The weekend will wrap up with another overcast Sunday with temps in the 40s ahead of an overnight coastal storm.
Stay up to date
What you can do:
Stay up to date on the latest forecast and snowfall totals by downloading the FOX LOCAL app.