Weather Authority: Winter Storm Warning posted for Delaware Valley

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The calendar reads 17 days until spring, but Mother Nature has a much colder schedule in mind. The third in a trio of winter storms is heading our way.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of the Delaware Valley for Sunday afternoon until Monday morning.

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The National Weather Service says it's all snow into this evening. The snow should mix with sleet from southeast to northwest by later this evening, with even some areas changing to rain especially closer to the coast.

Accumulations in Philadelphia, northern Delaware and central New Jersey areas are expected to be in the 2 to 5 inch range. Regions in northern New Jersey. and north and northwest Pennsylvania are estimated to receive 6 to 8 inches.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Check here for up-to-date information on school closings and delayed openings across the area.

Areas closer to the shore - including Atlantic and Cumberland counties in New Jersey, and Kent County in Delaware - will be under a Winter Weather Advisory from 3 p.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Monday. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are expected there.

Any rain or wintry mix changes back to snow before ending early Monday morning.

In areas under the Winter Storm Warning, travel could be very difficult. Snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour will be possible between about 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., especially closer to Interstate 95. While the precipitation will end before the Monday morning commute, hazardous conditions should still be occurring from the earlier heavy wet snow and sleet.

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"A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible," the National Weather Service warns. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5-1-1."