What was a weak clipper system intensified just as it hit the Delmarva area Friday morning. Snowfall rates were 2 to 3 inches per hour at the peak in Kent County, Del. and Cape May County, N.J., according to NBC10 Meteorologist Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz.
The storm dropped more than 7 inches in parts of Ocean County and more than 6 inches in Oceanville, Atlantic County.
Snowfall amounts and duration were much lower farther north, but only a dusting of snow was enough to cause driving problems. Many roads were obviously not treated, since the snow was not expected to reach as far north as it did.
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Multiple accidents were reported along I-676 westbound, Route 422 between Oaks and Collegeville/Royersford, and along the Pennsylvania Turnpike eastbound at Willow Grove. Route 309 northbound was closed due to icy road conditions. And, more than a dozen minor accidents happened on the Atlantic City Expressway, according to New Jersey State Police.
The fast-moving storm began dumping snow around 7 a.m. in Delaware and blanketed parts of New Jersey as well, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Weather Advisory that was in effect until 11 a.m.
By noon most of the snow had moved away but wind and cold remained with gusts up to 40-plus mph.
Glenn says the next clipper should move in fast Saturday night into Sunday, bringing many more hours of snow to a much wider area than Friday morning. Glenn does not expect the intensity to rival Friday. But as the storm hits the coast it may strengthen enough to make snow heavier Sunday afternoon.
Some accumulation is likely over most of the area, and it will stick on untreated surfaces -- this could affect Super Bowl party shopping and travel. There could be a change-over to rain right at the shore Sunday afternoon, but otherwise it should be all snow.
