WeatherFanatics: Major Winter Storm to Hit Philly Hard Thursday

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist

February 12,2014; 5:39PM,EST

A nor'easter will affect much the Philadelphia area Thursday with major travel delays and disruptions to daily activities.
Expect flight delays and cancellations to increase ahead of the winter storm.
Snow will spread over the region from south to north.

Where the storm remains all or mostly snow over the northern and western suburbs during Thursday and continues into Thursday night, there is the potential for a foot of accumulation. However, even in the city, enough snow will fall for a time Thursday to clog streets and highways with a heavy accumulation, prior to a mix with or change to rain.
In areas near the coast where all rain occurs at the height of the storm, there are still likely to be slippery roads and disruptions to daily activities for a time Thursday. Rain falling into the snow near the city will add weight to the snow.
Moderate winds at the height of the storm and immediately in its wake could lead to blowing and drifting snow in the northern and western suburbs and could cause power outages and downed tree limbs.
As the storm strengthens Thursday into Thursday night, enough onshore wind may be generated to cause minor flooding at times of high tide from Delmarva to Maine. The highest astronomical tides typically occur a day or so before the full moon, which happens to be on Friday, Valentine's Day. Water levels are likely to run about 2 feet above published levels from New Jersey on to the north.
The storm will depart Thursday night. Rain could change back to snow before ending around the city.
Much of the region is expected to be free of precipitation on Valentine's Day, but travel disruptions may linger in the wake of the storm.
RELATED:
Detailed Philadelphia Forecast
Philadelphia Interactive Weather Radar
AccuWeather.com Snowfall Forecast Map
Tune in to AccuWeather Live Mornings every weekday at 8 a.m. and noon EST. We will be talking about the winter storm slated for Wednesday night and Thursday.