New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware Under Winter Weather System Bringing Light Snow, Sleet, and Glaze Ice With Travel Impacts Through Saturday Night
New Jersey — A developing winter weather system is moving across the region late Friday into Saturday, bringing light snow, sleet, and areas of glaze ice to much of the state, according to the latest forecasts. While snowfall totals remain modest, forecasters warn that ice accumulation and mixed precipitation could still create slick travel conditions, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.
Revised snow and ice accumulation maps show limited snowfall totals, but ice accumulation may create localized travel hazards, particularly in inland and elevated areas.
Snowfall Totals Remain Light Across Most Areas
Updated snowfall projections indicate that most locations will see under 3 inches of snow, with the highest totals focused in northwestern New Jersey and the Pocono region of Pennsylvania.
Expected snow totals by area include:
- Northern New Jersey: Up to 4–6 inches in Sussex County and near the higher elevations close to the New York border
- Central New Jersey: Generally 0.5 to 2 inches, including areas near Trenton and Flemington
- Southern New Jersey: Less than 1 inch, with many coastal locations seeing only trace amounts
- Eastern Pennsylvania: Around 3 inches in the Poconos, tapering to under 1 inch near Philadelphia
- Northern Delaware: Minimal accumulation, generally a dusting or light coating
Snowfall rates are expected to remain modest, preventing widespread heavy accumulation.
Ice Accumulation Poses Greater Concern Than Snow
While snowfall will be limited, glaze ice accumulation is expected to be the primary impact in this system.
Ice totals by region include:
- Northwestern New Jersey: Up to 0.14 inches of ice near Sussex County
- Central New Jersey: Around 0.10–0.15 inches, including areas near Flemington and Trenton
- Eastern Pennsylvania: Up to 0.17 inches, especially near Reading and Allentown
- Northern Delaware: Around 0.09 inches, primarily inland
The National Weather Service advises that ice measurements should be taken on tree branches, as even small radial thickness can significantly impact power lines, trees, and road conditions.
Travel Impacts Likely in Inland and Elevated Areas
Road conditions may become slick, especially on untreated surfaces during periods of freezing precipitation. The highest risk areas include:
- Elevated terrain in northwestern New Jersey
- The Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania
- Inland portions of central New Jersey
Coastal areas are expected to remain closer to plain rain or minimal icing, reducing impacts along the shore.
Forecast Confidence and What to Watch Next
Forecasters note moderate confidence in the overall event totals but emphasize that small temperature changes could shift precipitation types quickly.
Residents are advised to monitor:
- Overnight temperature drops
- Local road conditions Saturday morning
- Any updated advisories from NWS Mount Holly
Additional updates are expected if ice totals trend higher than currently forecast.
Stay Informed
Weather conditions can change quickly during winter events like this. Stay alert to local updates and allow extra travel time if heading out during icy periods.
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