Philly snow forecast: Measurable snowfall expected this weekend with bitter cold temps
Philly snow forecast: Measurable snowfall possible this weekend
FOX 29's Sue Serio has the latest on the potential for measurable snowfall this weekend in Philadelphia and the suburbs.
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia is bracing for a significant snow storm that could bring bitterly cold temperatures and measurable snowfall accumulations to our area this weekend.
The latest update from the National Weather Service says Philadelphia and surrounding areas have an 80% probability to see at least 6 inches of snow by Monday.
Philadelphia snow forecast: Breaking down possible winter storm scenarios
Kathy and Scott break down the differences in the models and what each scenario could mean for snowfall in our area this weekend.
When will it snow?
What we know:
Forecasters believe the first flakes will start to fall sometime early Sunday morning and become more widespread during the daylight hours.
Models are still coming together on the exact timing of the storm, but forecasters believe snow will fall heavy at times before moving offshore by Monday.
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How much snow will we get?
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Forecasters say ‘substantial’ snow is possible this weekend, though amounts are still unclear
The National Weather Service is monitoring the increasing potential for an impactful winter storm across parts of the Philadelphia area this weekend.
By the numbers:
It's unclear as of Wednesday morning exactly how much snow the Philadelphia area can expect to see from the coastal storm.
The National Weather Service in their latest update said there is an 80% probability that Philly will see at least 6 inches of snow.
Forecasters believe if the track of the storm skews to the south, there will be higher accumulations south of the I-95 corridor.
If the storm pushes north, areas northwest of the I-95 corridor could see higher totals.
Bitter cold temperatures
Dig deeper:
Along with the snow, forecasters are warning of bitterly cold temperatures with an added wind chill that will make it feel even colder.
Temperatures on Saturday and Sunday in the Philadelphia area are expected to barely crack 20 degrees, with overnight lows in the teens.
Preparing for snow
What you can do:
Road crews around the area will spend the next several days securing salt and brine rations and readying snow plows in preparation for the storm.
Chris Loschiavo, Director of Public Works for Plymouth Township told FOX 29 that he hopes to receive 500 tons worth of new salt shipments before the snow hits.
Residents, meanwhile, are urged to do their part to help keep walkways and sidewalks safe by salting and shoveling when necessary.
PECO recommends having a fully charged cell phone and flashlights with extra batteries ready in case of a power outage.
Residents are also reminded to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility, and to stay off the roads if conditions worsen.
Top snowstorms in Philadelphia
Local perspective:
It's been a while since the Philadelphia area saw a snowstorm that packs a punch like forecasters believe this weekend's could.
The most recent storm with 20 inches or more happened almost in late-January 2016 when 22.4" fell in Philadelphia.
Here's a look at the top snowstorms