Quick-Moving Storm Set to Hit New Jersey on Monday

Overview

Yet another snowstorm is on its way, as the active winter season continues for southern NJ.  For several days now, this storm has been modeled, but the exact track has been up in the air until the last day or two.  The low pressure center will move just to our south and quickly move out to sea.  Now unlike previous storms, we will not have the bitter cold temperatures and high winds causing low wind chills and high liquid-to-snow ratios.  Therefore, the snow associated with this system will be heavy and wet and will not accumulate as well as a more fluffy snow in colder air (better for snowballs, though!). 

Furthermore, we’ll have that pesky rain/snow line set up in southern NJ, which will be a factor for how much snow South Jersey sees.  It appears as if the rain/snow line will set up near Philadelphia and move southward throughout the storm.  Also, low winds will be another feature to this storm that is different than past storms this winter.  Even along the coast, wind gusts are only expected to reach 20-25mph.  Finally, this storm does have the potential to bust if the area sees rain longer than expected, which increases in potential as you head further south.

Temperatures

Near Freezing, low- to mid-30’s, with wind chills in the 20’s (relatively ‘warm’ compared to the rest of this winter)

Timing

Precipitation begins to enter the area in the early AM hours of Monday (1-4 AM), with the rain/snow line setting up near Philadelphia (Most, if not all, of southern NJ will likely begin as light rain).  The rain/snow line will quickly begin its southerly push by sunrise.  The heaviest of the snow should fall during the morning through the early afternoon.  Finally, the snow will taper off by the evening.   

Snowfall

Highest amounts will likely accumulate within a swath from Philadelphia to Raritan Bay.  Areas southward will likely accumulate less due to mixing with sleet and rain and areas of North Jersey should be cut off from the heavier snow.  Unfortunately, for snow lovers at least, I don’t see much of a ‘BOOM’ factor like past storms because the storm will just be too quick-moving.  

My Projected Snowfall Map