Storm bringing snow, sleet, hazardous freezing rain

This report by the Inquirer writer Peter Mucha was updated at 12:15 p.m.:

The weather forecast is foreboding, especially for tomorrow morning, when commuters could face freezing rain.

A storm will start this afternoon, bringing some snow and sleet, according to the National Weather Service.

Chester, Bucks and Montgomery Counties are expected to fare worse than Philadelphia, Delaware County and South Jersey. In the eastern areas, the wintry mix could change to rain before the evening rush hour.

North and west of the city, however, "several inches of snow and sleet are possible before midnight," according to a winter storm warning from the service.

After midnight could come hours of freezing rain, especially west and north of the city.

"After midnight ...warm air aloft and surface temperatures below freezing will result in an extended period of freezing rain that could last past the rush hour on Wednesday," the service states.

The threat of freezing rain is less likely in the city and South Jersey, where overnight temperatures should be warmer, said meteorologist Gary Szatkowski early this afternoon. He heads the National Weather Service's Mount Holly office.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.

Read more about the forecast. Type in your zip code to get details for your area.

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