There’s been a lot of talk about a big weekend winter storm. Will it happen? Forecasters are pouring over the data as of Thursday.
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has lowered the probability of moderate snowfall for Bucks and Hunterdon counties to about 10 percent for the upcoming weekend.
While earlier forecast models suggested a higher risk for significant snow, recent model runs indicate the storm may track further offshore and reduce the risk of a major storm for the area.
“Overall this remains a very challenging forecast,” regional forecasters wrote Thursday morning. “While many of the latest operational models seem to be pointing to a near miss for the region, we can’t ignore the possibility that a small change or track could bring larger impacts to the area.”
Forecasters noted that specific details regarding the storm’s impact on the local area are still uncertain.
Current projections leave open the possibility of some snowfall on Sunday, but the extent of the accumulation is uncertain, forecasters from the National Weather Service said.
“Snow accumulations could extend inland to the I-95 corridor and beyond, remain confined near the coast, or snow could stay mostly offshore,” the regional National Weather Service office wrote on social media.
The storm is expected to be more impactful to the south and along the coast as significant heavy snow is projected for the Carolinas and parts of the Appalachians. Additionally, the system is expected to generate strong coastal winds and a risk of coastal flooding.
Regardless of whether snow falls, the region is expected to see cold temperatures persist into next week.
This winter, the area has recorded approximately 2 feet of snow, according to National Weather Service data.
Below is the forecast from the National Weather Service:
Thursday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 19. Wind chill values as low as -12. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 0. Wind chill values as low as -10. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 16. Wind chill values as low as -12. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around -2. Wind chill values as low as -12. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 20. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A chance of snow, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 8. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: A chance of snow before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 13.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.
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