Fast-Moving Storm To Hit Eastern PA: See Snowfall Forecast, Timing

PENNSYLVANIA - A brief overnight winter storm expected to bring more snow accumulation to the region is set to hit Pennsylvania this weekend, forecasters said.

While it’s unclear just now much snow will drop in the Keystone State Friday night, the National Weather Service expects widespread light snow from I-78 southward. The Philadelphia metro area may see the snow accumulation it missed during Tuesday’s storm, with Friday bringing the “potential for at least a low-end advisory event near and south of Philly metro, perhaps even a bit more than that.”

AccuWeather meteorologists note that, though the quick-hitter won't produce prolific snowfall, it can still cause travel disruptions into the weekend. Philadelphia and Atlantic City are slated for 1 to 3 inches of snow during Friday's storm; a small accumulation of snow may reach as far north as New York City, though storm developments can still alter the path and strength of the impacts on the Garden State.

"An increase in strength and slower speed may also allow the storm to tap more moisture from the Atlantic, resulting in heavier snow," AccuWeather added. "A slightly stronger storm may also tug warmer air farther to the north and lead to rain instead of snow in part of the mid-Atlantic, such as the Delmarva Peninsula and southern New Jersey."

The silver lining for snow haters: mostly clear skies are in the forecast Saturday night through at least Wednesday.

“One factor not in favor of a big snowfall, aside from the limited development of the low pressure, is its rather fast movement,” the weather service said. “Looks like snow moves in near or after midnight and then quickly exits the area during the early to mid morning Saturday.”

Here’s the latest forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Thursday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 44. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 33. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night: Snow, mainly after 1 a.m. Low around 29. West wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday: Snow likely, possibly mixed with rain, mainly before 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 23.