CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A potentially historic winter storm is poised to bury Chester County under feet of snow before finally releasing its grip early this week, and the next 48 hours will demand serious planning. With a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday, this is not a routine February snowfall. Forecast totals between 16 and 22 inches, combined with wind gusts up to 40 mph, could make travel nearly impossible at times and disrupt both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Snow begins Sunday, possibly mixing with rain early, with highs near 36 degrees. By late morning and into the afternoon, precipitation turns to all snow as northeast winds increase to 10 to 15 mph. Roads will steadily deteriorate through the day, especially on untreated secondary routes. Sunday night is when conditions become most dangerous. Heavy snow—falling at rates that could exceed 2 inches per hour—combines with north winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph. Overnight lows around 29 degrees will support widespread accumulation, with an additional 11 to 17 inches possible. Blowing and drifting snow may create whiteout conditions, and gusty winds could bring down tree branches, leading to isolated power outages.
By Monday, snow remains likely, particularly before 1 p.m., with another 3 to 5 inches possible. Highs struggle to reach 34 degrees, and northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph keep visibility reduced in open areas. Even as snowfall tapers during the afternoon, blowing snow will continue to impact visibility. Monday night turns sharply colder, with lows dropping to 19 degrees and lingering gusts near 30 mph. Any slush will freeze solid, making Tuesday morning’s commute slick and icy.
Tuesday itself offers some recovery, with mostly sunny skies but highs only near 30 degrees. Tuesday night brings another chance of snow after 1 a.m., with lows again near 19 degrees. By Wednesday, however, the pattern begins to shift. A chance of snow lingers before 1 p.m., but partly sunny skies develop and temperatures climb to 42 degrees. That midweek warmup continues into Thursday, with highs again near 42 degrees and a 60% chance of rain developing after a rain-snow mix early in the day. Thursday night stays mostly cloudy with rain likely and lows around 30 degrees, raising concerns for localized ponding and refreezing where snowpack remains deep.
Looking ahead to the weekend, conditions improve significantly. Friday turns mostly sunny with highs near 41 degrees, offering a much-needed break for snow removal and digging out vehicles. Friday night drops to around 25 degrees under mostly clear skies. By Saturday, sunshine dominates and temperatures rebound to a more comfortable 47 degrees. It will finally be suitable for clearing remaining snow piles, checking for roof ice damage, or even enjoying a cautious walk on plowed trails—though residents should remain mindful of lingering icy patches in shaded areas.
If you must travel during the storm, keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including food, water, and a flashlight. For the latest radar updates, snowfall totals, road conditions, and real-time alerts, visit the MyChesCo Weather Center and the MyChesCo Traffic Center before heading out.
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