A “potentially historic” winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions to the region through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service issued a briefing Sunday morning where they warned the nor’easter could cause infrastructure damage and multi-day travel disruptions along the East Coast.
The snowfall forecast for Bucks County increased overnight to 18 inches to 2 feet of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour during the peak of the storm.
Forecasters expect snow to begin in the Philadelphia region by midday Sunday, with the most intense accumulation occurring Sunday evening through Monday morning.
By daybreak Sunday, light rain was falling over Bucks County.
“Travel will be treacherous and life-threatening,” meteorologists said in the briefing, noting that whiteout conditions are expected.
The storm is likely to impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
The Winter Storm Warning for the area was upgraded to a Blizzard Warning.
Lower Bucks County is expected to see “extreme impacts” and Central Bucks County is forecast to have “major impacts,” according to the National Weather Service’s local office.
Wind gusts are forecast to reach 45 mph, which could cause power outages and tree damage, forecasters said.
While the strongest winds are expected Sunday night and Monday morning, they are not predicted to diminish until Monday night.
Gov. Josh Shapiro shared on social media that state agencies are preparing for the storm.
“Please stay off the roads if you can, exercise caution if you need to drive, and follow the guidance of your local officials,” he said.
Numerous local municipalities have issued snow emergencies ahead of the storm.
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will implement Tier 1 vehicle restrictions starting at 3 p.m. Sunday on I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Advertisements
Under the Tier 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited from those roadways: tractors without trailers, tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded trailers, unloaded or lightly loaded cargo trucks, passenger vehicles towing trailers, and motorhomes, buses, and motorcycles.
Additionally, all vehicles traveling on local highways will be restricted to a maximum speed of 45 mph, according to officials.
Officials warned that impacts to travel could last well beyond Monday afternoon as crews work to manage clearing snow and potential drifting snow.
