At a Glance
- Philadelphia area expects a six or more inches of snow from Saturday through Sunday night.
- Temperatures will be near 50 degrees on Thursday before dropping cold Friday.
- Communities are stocking salt, snowblowers, and preparing vehicles for the storm.
Why it matters: Residents need to plan for travel delays, school closures, and potential power outages.
The Philadelphia area is bracing for a significant snowstorm that could bring more than six inches of snow over the weekend. Forecasts say the storm will hit Saturday and Sunday night, possibly extending into Monday. With temperatures hovering around 50 degrees on Thursday, the region will see a sharp drop in the days before the storm, prompting widespread preparation.
Weather Forecast
The National Weather Service (NWS) describes the upcoming event as a “significant storm” that could deliver “several inches of snowfall”.
News Of Philadelphia‘s First Alert Weather team reports that the snowfall could reach six or more inches.
| Day | Expected Snowfall |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Up to 4 inches |
| Sunday | 2-3 inches |
| Monday | Possible light snow |
“We are seeing a strong low pressure system moving in from the Atlantic, which is likely to bring a heavy snow band over the area,” said News Of Philadelphia‘s First Alert Meteorologist Robert Johnson.
Community Preparations
Reporter Sarah L. Montgomery visited Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery County, to assess how local officials are getting ready. The town recently received a new shipment of salt, a critical resource after last weekend’s storm, which brought snow, freezing rain, and ice.
PennDOT has ample salt reserves and plans to support communities once the storm’s impact becomes clearer.
Retailers are also stepping up. Stores across the region are running low on snowblowers, hand warmers, gloves, scrapers, sleds, portable heaters, and snow shovels.
“It’s hard to keep everything in stock but we have a lot in inventory,” said Louis Holod, owner of Holod’s Hardware Store in the Lafayette Hill section of Philadelphia.
“They are shopping what they need and we try to get everything they’re looking for,” said Jose Gomez of Juniata Supermarket.
Snowblower Surge
“We are taking them as they come in,” said Anthony Petruccelli of Suburban Lawn and Equipment in Stanton, Delaware. “So, if you bring a repair we will have it done and turned around to you in a day or two. They are getting prioritized. We have five full time mechanics doing nothing but snowblowers right now.”
Vehicle Preparation Checklist
Reporter Sarah L. Montgomery also spoke with mechanic Rocco Mignogna in South Jersey about keeping cars safe during the storm.
“Definitely want to keep an eye on your fluid levels, like engine oil and antifreeze. If it’s low on coolant, it could possibly cause other problems because things will freeze and crack,” Mignogna explained.
He also warned that extreme cold can affect battery performance.
Checklist for a winter-ready car:
- Check your battery
- Check your tire pressure
- Replace old windshield wipers
- Top off any of your car fluids
- Consider replacing a wiper transmission if needed (costs $100-$400)
Mignogna advised that drivers should not rely solely on wiper blades to clear snow from the windshield.
Key Takeaways
- The NWS expects six or more inches of snow from Saturday through Sunday night.
- Communities are stocking salt, snowblowers, and other winter gear.
- Vehicle owners should inspect fluids, battery, tires, and wipers before the storm.
- Residents should plan for travel delays and possible school closures.
By staying informed and prepared, Philadelphia residents can navigate the upcoming snowstorm with greater confidence and safety.
