The changeover time for today's snowfall was delayed by a couple of hours, but make no mistake that we will see heavy accumulations of snow as the rain changes over completely during the morning commute for the Philadelphia region.
It's all part of this crazy winter. If you're counting: We have had 23 separate storm events and most have been simply nuisance storms with big, bad headaches with icy roads, school delays, closings, but little deep snow. The biggest snow "event" of this winter fell was 4.8 inches of snow.
The winter storm bearing down will come close to topping it, but not by much. Snow and falling temperatures during today's morning rush will have you squeezing your steering wheel tighter as you try to navigate through the mess.
The forecast:
-8am-2pm: Snow, heavy at times & will accumulate rapidly. Temps falling into the 20s.
-Snow tapering to light snow between 2-4pm.
-Snow ending between 6-9pm from west to east.
The total accumulation for the city should be between 5-8 inches. We'll see heavier amounts across South Jersey and Delaware. We'll see lesser amounts North & West of city.
After the snow ends tonight, we'll see a frigid low of about 10 degrees. So the snow should stick around for a few days. On Friday, we'll see sunny and very cold temps with a high of only 27.
State of emergency
As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the city of Philadelphia will be under a snow emergency.
Mayor Michael Nutter announced Wednesday night that all cars parked on snow emergency routes must be moved before 6 a.m. or they will be towed. Motorists can find a map of snow emergency routes by clicking here.
Nutter said city officials will announce any school closings Thursday morning.
Trash and recycling pickup will be suspended Thursday because of plowing, Nutter said.
Contact John Bolaris at jweatherboy@yahoo.com or on Twitter @weathersavior.
8am-2pm: Snow, heavy at times & will accumulate rapidly. Temps falling into the 20s.
Snow tapering to light snow between 2-4pm.
Snow ending between 6-9pm from west to east.
Total Accumulations for city 5-8inches./Heavier amounts across SNJ & Delaware.
Lesser amounts North & West of city.
Tonight: Snow ends early then Frigid Low 10 degrees
Friday: Bright white, sunny & very cold. High 27