Forecast: Paralyzing Storm Hits Area

PHILADELPHIA - John Bolaris says a paralyzing snowstorm has begun to impact the Philadelphia region with heavy snow. A heavy snow band has already fallen over parts of Northern Delaware and Chester County, Pa.

This storm will have a bigger impact that the big storm that hit here in December. There may be 4 to 5 inches less of snow than the December storm, but the driving winds are much more potent, and it will be a heavier, wet snow to start.

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Expect bands of heavy snow to continue through the evening. After midnight,  winds will increase and snow will accumulate rapidly. By Saturday 7am, 12 or more will have already fallen in places, especially south and east of the city of Philadelphia.

As the storm intensifies along the coast, winds will increase, which will create blowing and drifting of snow. Along the coast, winds will gust over 50 mph and the prolonged period of onshore winds will cause tidal flooding as well as beach erosion.

Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings are in effect through Saturday evening.

Here are the projected snow amounts:

Lehigh Valley: 6 to 10 inches
Northern And Western Suburbs: 8 to 14 inches
Near Suburbs and Philadelphia: 14 to 20  inches
South Jersey and North Delaware: 18 to 24 inches
Southern Delaware: 24 to 30 inches

Numerous airlines are canceling flights and relaxing ticket change policies in advance of the storm.

Also, many townships, Delaware and the city of Philadelphia have declared snow emergencies.