Key Highlights
- A winter storm is expected to bring several inches of snow and sleet to the Philadelphia area over the weekend after Christmas.
- The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey north of Camden County from Friday, December 26, 2025.
- Philadelphia is expected to start seeing sleet around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. on Friday, with the potential for up to two inches of snow by Saturday morning.
- The weather forecast suggests that travel could be dangerous due to ice accumulation overnight Friday into Saturday, prompting experts to advise people to consider delaying all travel until after the storm is over.
Winter Storm Looms Over Philadelphia Area on Christmas Weekend
A major winter storm is set to impact the Philadelphia region, with sleet and snow expected to blanket the area over the weekend following Christmas. The weather forecast has warned residents to brace themselves for potentially hazardous travel conditions as the storm moves in.
Forecast Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm watch for Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey north of Camden County, effective from Friday, December 26, 2025. According to meteorologist Sue Serio from FOX 29, the storm will bring a mix of sleet and freezing rain, with Philadelphia anticipated to see some snow.
“What you get (snow, sleet, freezing rain) depends on where you are,” explained Serio. “The storm is expected to begin around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., moving from the west to the east.” The NWS predicts that Philadelphia could accumulate between one and two inches of snow by Saturday morning, with higher totals in northern Delaware.
Travel Warnings
The weather conditions are expected to create dangerous driving conditions as ice accumulates overnight into Saturday. In response, authorities have advised people to delay all travel until the storm passes. If travel is absolutely necessary, Serio recommends bringing safety kits and other supplies in case of being stranded.
Philadelphia has a nearly 30% chance of seeing more than four inches of snow or sleet by Saturday morning, with those chances rising as high as 63% just 30 miles north in Trenton. The storm is expected to move offshore between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, bringing an end to the hazardous weather.
Impact on Local Communities
The weather forecast for Philadelphia and surrounding areas has sparked concerns among local communities. New Jersey, particularly north of Camden County, has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the storm. This move is aimed at ensuring that necessary resources are available to deal with potential damage and disruptions.
As the region prepares for the winter storm, residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from reliable sources such as local news stations and government websites. Authorities recommend keeping essential supplies on hand, including non-perishable food, water, medications, and heating fuel in case of prolonged power outages.
Preparation Tips
To prepare for the storm, individuals are encouraged to check their emergency kits and ensure they have sufficient supplies. Additionally, it’s advisable to monitor weather reports throughout the day on Friday as conditions can change quickly. Local businesses and schools may also be affected, so staying informed is crucial.
Experts emphasize the importance of adhering to travel warnings and delaying non-essential trips until after the storm has passed. This advice not only helps individuals stay safe but also eases the strain on local emergency services and road maintenance crews.
In conclusion, while the Christmas weekend presents a festive atmosphere for many, it is essential that residents in the Philadelphia area remain vigilant about weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this potentially disruptive winter storm.