Winter Weather Alert: Snow and Ice to Impact Pennsylvania and New Jersey This Weekend

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for several counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, warning residents of hazardous travel conditions due to snow and ice accumulation. The advisory, which takes effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning, could lead to dangerous road conditions and power outages in some areas.

As the winter storm approaches, authorities are urging drivers and residents to take precautions to stay safe during this period of severe weather.

Snow and Ice Forecast: What to Expect?

According to the NWS in Mount Holly, New Jersey, the advisory covers multiple regions:

Pennsylvania: Berks, Upper Bucks, and Western Montgomery counties are expected to see 2 to 3 inches of snow, with a light glaze of ice forming on roads and sidewalks.

New Jersey: Somerset and Hunterdon counties will experience similar conditions, with a mix of snow and freezing rain making travel dangerous.

Northern Areas: Warren County (NJ), along with Lehigh and Northampton counties (PA), could see up to 4 inches of snow and around one-tenth of an inch of ice.

Higher Elevations: Carbon and Monroe counties (PA), especially areas above 1,200 feet, might get up to 5 inches of snow and nearly half an inch of ice, increasing the risk of power outages and tree damage.

The storm is expected to begin as light snow on Saturday afternoon, transitioning into a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain by the evening. Overnight, temperatures will drop further, increasing the likelihood of icy roads and slippery conditions.

Timing of the Storm

The Winter Weather Advisory officially starts at noon on Saturday and will remain in effect until Sunday morning. However, the timing of snowfall and ice formation may vary by location.

Snow will begin Saturday afternoon, impacting early evening traffic.

By Saturday night, freezing rain may mix with snow, increasing the risk of black ice on roads.

Sunday morning could see lingering snow showers before the system moves out.

How Will This Impact Travel?

The combination of snow and ice will make roads and highways slippery, especially during peak travel hours. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) have warned that even treated roads could become dangerous as the storm progresses.

Authorities recommend:

Avoiding unnecessary travel, especially during the heaviest snowfall periods on Saturday evening.

Driving slowly and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles if travel is necessary.

Using headlights in snowy or foggy conditions to improve visibility.

Checking road conditions by dialing 511 for real-time updates.

Air travelers should check with airlines for potential delays and cancellations as wintry conditions may impact flights at Philadelphia International Airport and regional airports.

Power Outages and Safety Precautions

The combination of wet snow and freezing rain can lead to downed power lines and tree damage, especially in higher elevation areas where ice accumulation is expected to be significant. Utility companies are on standby to respond to power outages, but residents should take precautions in case of temporary blackouts.

Safety Tips to Prepare for the Winter Storm:

Charge electronic devices in advance in case of power outages.

Stock up on essentials like food, water, batteries, and blankets.

Have flashlights and candles ready for emergency lighting.

Avoid using generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wear layers to stay warm if the heat goes out.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

Forecasters expect the storm to move out by late Sunday morning, but lingering snow showers and cold temperatures could keep roads icy through Sunday night. The following week is expected to bring colder-than-average temperatures, but no major storms are currently in the forecast.

Authorities advise residents to stay informed through local weather updates and to prepare ahead of time for any unexpected developments.