Weekend Nor'easter: How Much Snow Will The Lehigh Valley Get?

UPDATE: 12-16 Inches Of Snow Predicted By NWS

What could be a long, heavy and significant nor’easter winter storm is set to intensify before striking Pennsylvania late Friday through Saturday, forecasters predict.

This storm has the potential to dump snow and a wintry mix on the region for a 24-hour period, beginning late Friday. The Weather Channel now predicts a 90 percent chance of precipitation in the Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

The storm’s pressure will drop significantly off the Southeast coast, and then should strengthen as it heads toward New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service.

If the storm develops to its full potential and takes a track just off the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts, then a blizzard can unfold. The storm could shut down highways and perhaps cause airport closures, according to an AccuWeather release.

“This could be a long-duration snowfall that could last more than 24 hours in some locations,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams said in the release.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, outlining the potential impacts:

• There is “high confidence” in the storm’s occurrence but less confidence in the details.
• Heavier accumulation amounts appear to be likely close to the I-95 corridor.
• Gusty winds to 35 mph are expected, causing blowing and drifting snow.

The total amount of snow expected is still uncertain. The following estimates for the Philadelphia region are currently offered:

The Weather Channel: Five to eight inches

Accuweather: Six to 12 inches likely

National Weather Service: Snowfall maps to be issued Wednesday afternoon. Check back to Patch for updates.