Snowstorm Blankets Philadelphia Region with Varying Snow Totals
Overnight snowstorm brings varying snow totals across the greater Philadelphia area
The greater Philadelphia region woke up to a winter wonderland on Saturday morning after a fast-moving snowstorm passed through overnight. The most notable aspect of this storm was the vast differences in snow totals, with some areas in Bucks County receiving nearly 10 inches more snow than others. While Philadelphia and the suburbs saw 2-4 inches of snow, the texture varied due to temperatures not dropping below freezing fast enough. This article will explore the snowfall amounts, the development of a mesoscale band, and the impact on different regions.
Mesoscale band produces heavy snowfall rates in specific areas
The snowfall across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware was mostly in the 3-5 inch range. However, a rare mesoscale band developed and resulted in snowfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour across a 20-mile wide area. This band stretched through Berks County into Lehigh County, Upper Montgomery County, and Upper Bucks County. Surrounding this band, snow totals dropped off to 3-6 inches. The lowest totals of 0.5 to 3 inches were recorded along the Jersey Shore and in southern Delaware.
Snow totals in specific locations
Several locations in Pennsylvania experienced significant snowfall. Center Valley received 13.8 inches, followed closely by Macungie with 13.7 inches. Other areas like Kintnersville, Emmaus, and Lyons also received substantial amounts, ranging from 12 to 13 inches. Allentown recorded 7-12 inches of snow, while other areas like East Rockhill Township and Quakertown received 5.2 to 8 inches. In New Jersey, Mount Laurel and Cherry Hill saw 4.5 and 4.3 inches respectively, while Trenton-Mercer Airport recorded 4 inches. Delaware City in Delaware received 3.5 inches of snow.
Snowfall timeline and impact
The snow started between 2 to 4 a.m. in the Lehigh Valley, Berks County, and upper Bucks and Montgomery counties. These areas maintained a consistent, heavy snow presence throughout the night. The storm eventually reached Philadelphia at around 2 to 3 a.m. Lingering wraparound snow showers persisted until 10 a.m. on Saturday. Temperatures in Philadelphia dropped below freezing between 2 to 3 a.m., which explains why snow totals in the city were not as high as in other areas.
Weather conditions and forecast
Saturday’s temperatures in Philadelphia are expected to peak at around 38 degrees, with the sun helping to melt the snow on the roads. However, it will be a windy and raw day. Conditions are expected to clear out by Saturday night. Looking ahead, Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high of 40 degrees and a low of 23.
Conclusion: The overnight snowstorm brought varying snow totals to the greater Philadelphia region, with some areas experiencing significantly higher amounts than others. The development of a mesoscale band resulted in heavy snowfall rates in specific regions, while surrounding areas saw lower totals. The snowfall timeline and impact varied across different parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As the storm passes and temperatures rise, the focus now shifts to clearing the roads and preparing for the next weather system.