CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A powerful winter storm is bearing down on Chester County, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and ice that will create hazardous travel conditions through Monday and usher in one of the coldest stretches of the season.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1:00 p.m. Monday as the storm delivers a complex and dangerous mix of precipitation. Total snow and sleet accumulations between seven and 13 inches are expected, along with ice buildup around one tenth of an inch. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour are likely at times Sunday, before conditions deteriorate further as sleet and freezing rain develop.
Sunday will be harsh and unforgiving. Snow and sleet will fall heavily throughout the day, changing to all sleet by evening. Highs will struggle to reach 26, with wind chills dropping as low as zero. Northeasterly winds will add to the bitter feel, and travel conditions will steadily worsen as accumulation increases.
Sunday night remains treacherous as freezing rain and sleet continue, occasionally mixing with snow. Ice accumulation, though modest, will be enough to create slick and dangerous roadways. Overnight lows fall to around 19 before winds diminish late.
Conditions slowly improve Monday morning, though a lingering chance of snow persists early. Skies gradually clear by afternoon, but cold air rushes in behind the departing system. Highs reach only the upper 20s, while gusty west winds near 30 mph drive wind chills sharply lower. Monday night turns brutal, with lows near 5 and wind chills plunging to minus 7.
The remainder of the week offers little relief. Tuesday through Friday stay dry but frigid, with daytime highs stuck in the teens and lower 20s and overnight lows frequently dropping into the single digits. Sunshine will be plentiful at times, but it will do little to ease the deep freeze gripping the region. Temperatures moderate only slightly by Saturday, with highs near 22.
This storm has the potential to significantly disrupt travel, particularly during the Monday morning commute. Residents are urged to prepare for dangerous conditions, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles if travel is unavoidable.
For the latest road conditions, real-time radar, winter storm updates, and extended forecasts, visit the MyChesCo Weather Center and stay informed as this powerful winter system tightens its grip on Chester County.
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