Philadelphia Braces for Major Winter Storm: Forecast, Updates, and Impacts

The Philadelphia region, along with a vast stretch of the Eastern U.S. Impacting up to 40 million Americans, is preparing for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall, strong winds, and potential coastal flooding beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continuing through late Monday.

Storm Forecast: Snowfall Totals and Timing

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, as well as parts of Delaware, could receive between 14 and 18 inches of snow. Wind gusts may reach up to 40 mph. South Jersey is forecast to potentially see even higher accumulations, ranging from 14 to 20 inches, with wind gusts up to 45 mph.

Meteorologists at 6abc, a WHYY News partner, offer a more conservative estimate, predicting 8 to 12 inches of snow for the Philadelphia area and 12 to 18 inches in coastal areas of Fresh Jersey and Delaware. Inland South Jersey and the remainder of Delaware are expected to receive 8 to 12 inches of snow, according to 6abc.

Rain and snow showers are anticipated Sunday morning, with a high of 39 degrees. Areas northwest of Philadelphia may experience light snow showers. As temperatures fall, precipitation is expected to transition to snow by Sunday evening. The heaviest snowfall is predicted to occur Sunday night.

Snow is expected to taper off from west to east by Monday morning as the storm strengthens and moves away from the coast.

Coastal Flooding Concerns

The NWS reports that coastal flooding is most likely from Delaware to Cape Cod.

Recent Snowfall Context

This storm arrives shortly after the region finally recovered from a major January snowstorm that dumped over 9 inches of snow on Philadelphia, as reported on January 26, 2026 (6abc). According to The Ancient Farmer’s Almanac, the greater Philadelphia region is currently within its snowiest period, which extends through late February (Delaware Online).

January 2026 Snowfall Summary

The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center forecasted that the greater Philadelphia region would reach its average amount of snowfall for January, which is around 7.1 inches (Delaware Online). Philadelphia International Airport recorded 4.6 inches of snow in January 2025 (Delaware Online).

Regional Snow Totals (January 25, 2026 Storm)

• Philadelphia: Philadelphia International Airport – 9.3 inches; Center City – 9 inches
• Berks County: Mertztown – 14.1 inches; Reading Regional Airport – 9.4 inches
• Bucks County: Gardenville – 12 inches; Bensalem – 10.2 inches
• Chester County: East Coventry Twp – 10.5 inches; Avondale – 8.4 inches
• Delaware County: Morton – 8 inches; Nether Providence Twp – 8 inches
• Lehigh County: Emmaus – 13.3 inches; Weisenberg Twp – 10.8 inches
• Montgomery County: Skippack Twp – 12.2 inches; Collegeville – 11.5 inches
• New Jersey (Atlantic County): Atlantic City International Airport – 6.2 inches
• New Jersey (Burlington County): Mount Holly – 9.4 inches
• Delaware (New Castle County): Bear – 10 inches

Source: 6abc