Pennsylvania — A developing winter storm is expected to impact Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and New York on Friday, bringing a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain that may create hazardous travel conditions through Friday afternoon and evening. Forecasters say most areas will start with snow, but many locations will transition to ice and freezing rain as the storm strengthens overnight.
Snow Beginning Friday Afternoon Before Transition to Ice
Meteorologists report that snowfall will begin across much of the region Friday afternoon, with early accumulations likely before temperatures rise just enough to force a transition to mixed precipitation. Areas positioned farther north and west—such as Allentown, Mount Pocono and parts of northern New Jersey—are expected to remain mainly snow through the event.
These locations have a strong chance of receiving 3 inches or more of accumulation, according to early projections, with higher totals possible in colder pockets.
However, for a large portion of southeastern Pennsylvania, central and southern New Jersey and northern Delaware, the storm is expected to evolve into a snow-to-ice event. Cities including Philadelphia, Wilmington, Lancaster, Reading, Trenton and Toms River are positioned in the zone where snow will transition to sleet and freezing rain Friday night.
Significant Ice Risk for Interstate Corridors
One of the most serious concerns is the potential for freezing rain along several major highway corridors, including portions of I-95, Route 1 and the Atlantic City Expressway. The combination of initial snow followed by an icy glaze poses risks for slick road surfaces, poor visibility and sudden loss of traction during the evening commute…