New Winter Storm Approaches Philly Region Ahead Of Christmas: Forecast

A new winter storm is moving into the region and a small amount of accumulation is possible in the greater Philadelphia area, according to forecasters.

The storm is expected to arrive late Monday night into Tuesday morning, with snow most likely after 5 a.m. early Tuesday morning, forecasters said. The storm will impact the morning commute and holiday travel on Tuesday morning, as it's expected to continue until early Tuesday afternoon.

There is still some variability in the forecast depending on temperatures and the track of the storm, but there is about a 50 percent chance that a dusting of snow will coat the ground in southeastern Pennsylvania. There's also a possibility the storm could hit as rain and freezing rain, leaving no accumulation.

Farther north in the Poconos and outside of the greater Philadelphia area, up to 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected, according to forecasters.

"Not a major system for us, but be mindful of potential for slippery roads tomorrow morning," the National Weather said. "Consider delaying travel until the wintry precipitation has ended in your area."

Regardless of the final snow totals, it could throw a wrench into planned travel, especially given heightened traffic the days before Christmas.

"Travelers taking to the roads later Monday night or Tuesday morning should heed any roadway restrictions or warnings in place and give themselves extra time to reach their destination," Accuweather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said.

The wake of the storm will be warmer than lately, with temperatures rising to 46 on Christmas Eve and 44 on Christmas Day.

Here's the full forecast for the coming week, according to the National Weather Service:

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 40. West wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night
Snow likely, mainly after 5 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 31. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday
Rain and snow likely before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 44. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Christmas Day
A chance of rain before 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Thursday Night
A chance of rain after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday
Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Friday Night
A chance of rain before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.

Saturday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.