Key Highlights
- A nor’easter could bring up to a foot of snow to several parts of the Philadelphia region.
- Snow totals between 8 to 12 inches are expected in many areas, with some points along the shore potentially seeing more than 12 inches.
- Residents and hardware stores have been scrambling for salt and other supplies as storm preparations begin.
- Blizzard conditions are possible with strong winds, coastal flooding, and beach erosion likely.
Snowfall Predictions and Timeline
The weather forecast is painting a picture of heavy snowfall in the Philadelphia region. A nor’easter is expected to dump up to 12 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday morning, bringing the area its first significant winter storm since early January. According to AccuWeather, a large portion of the Philadelphia metro area could see between 8 and 12 inches of snow, with South Jersey and some Delaware coastal points potentially getting more.
As temperatures drop from mid-30s during the day on Sunday, precipitation will changeover to snow by evening.
The timing is crucial for maximum accumulation, as any rain or mixed precipitation that falls will turn into heavy snow later in the night. This creates ideal conditions for substantial snowfall rates.
Preparation and Supply Shortages
With the storm looming, residents have started preparing, but they are facing challenges due to supply shortages. Hardware stores across South Jersey are reporting difficulties in restocking salt and other ice-melting products. Bill Getzinger of Westmont Ace Hardware noted a surge in demand as customers aim to avoid being caught off guard.
“People are starting to panic a little bit,” Getzinger said, adding that his store is completely sold out of rock salt by Friday night. “Supply chain issues have made it difficult to restock.
Early January, we got notice that 22 of the 25 different brands of salt were out for the season.”
David Garrison from Cartun Hardware in Camden echoed similar concerns, stating that his store has sold far more salt this year than in previous winters. “This year we’ve gone through about 19 tons of rock salt. Last year we went through about 6 tons, and the year prior to that we sold two bags,” he said.
Possible Blizzard Conditions and Other Impacts
The storm is not just a snowfall event; it also poses significant threats from coastal flooding and beach erosion due to strong winds. Blizzards are possible with thundersnow in southeastern New Jersey and southern Delaware, thanks to very strong lift developing in the atmosphere. Wind gusts along the coast are likely to reach 50 mph.
“A blizzard means three or more hours of winds gusting to 35 miles an hour or greater, falling or blowing snow, and visibility less than a quarter of a mile,” Amanda Pitts explained. “There are no requirements for the amount of snow when it comes to a blizzard.”
Despite uncertainty about Blizzard Watches or Warnings being issued, residents in the affected areas are urged to stay prepared and consider staying off the roads from Sunday evening through Monday morning as snow continues and snowfall rates pick up.
Conclusion
As Philadelphia prepares for what could be a significant winter storm, residents are finding themselves in an uphill battle against supply shortages. While AccuWeather has issued a Winter Storm Watch, the potential for blizzard conditions means that preparations should be taken seriously. Stay tuned to local news and weather updates as this situation develops over the weekend.