A winter storm accompanied by strong warm advection aloft brought a widespread wintry mix of precipitation to portions of the region. A coating of snow and sleet, as well as a coating of freezing rain was reported across much of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and northern Delmarva.
Every event with a place to put it; 1 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS PHI wrote it up.
A winter storm accompanied by strong warm advection aloft brought a widespread wintry mix of precipitation to portions of the region. A coating of snow and sleet, as well as a coating of freezing rain was reported across much of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and northern Delmarva. The bulk of the frozen wintry precipitation in Delaware occurred across northern portions of the state, where trace amounts of snow and sleet and a glaze of ice fell.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 26, 2:21 PM EST, 39 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
221 PM EST Fri Dec 26 2025
.SYNOPSIS...
Low pressure approaches from the west and passes through the
region tonight before departing Saturday morning. High pressure
then passes through the region Saturday afternoon through Sunday
afternoon. A strong low pressure then rides through the Great
Lakes Sunday night into Monday, dragging a strong cold front
through our region. High pressure thereafter, though passing
cold fronts may bring small chances of snow through the rest of
the week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SATURDAY/...
No significant changes were made to the forecast as everything
appears on track taking into account most recent observations
and guidance
Winter Storm Warnings remain in place for Monmouth, Middlesex,
Somerset, Warren, Morris, and Sussex County in NJ, and Monroe
County in PA with Winter Weather Advisories all the way down to
South Jersey and Northern Delmarva, though the Advisories on the
southern extent are more for ice than snow.
The overarching theme still remains as in impactful winter
storm moves in this afternoon and evening. The key threat will
be widespread travel disruptions during the evening and heading
into the overnight hours.
The setup for this storm is an area of low pressure currently
near Western Pennsylvania diving toward the Mid-Atlantic and
moving offshore by Saturday morning. Cold air is firmly
entrenched at the surface as a Canadian high pressure system has
locked in a cold air damming pattern across the Mid Atlantic.
As the surface low digs through the Mid Atlantic it will bring a
widespread mix of wintry precipitation across our forecast
area.
Warm air advection in the mid levels will promote lift through
the afternoon and lead to an advancing precipitation shield
moving into western areas by 3 PM or so. Generally, guidance is
showing this leading edge starting out as snow for most areas
with predominantly sleet starting to mix in as a low level warm
nose starts pushing into the region. There still is some
considerable spread in the guidance at this point with respect
to the strength of the warm nose and the extent it pushes
northward. Ensemble soundings in DESI suggest that the warm
noise will push close to I-78 but stays just south. The only
guidance that pushes the warm air further north is the NAM and
it certainly can't be discounted given the historical record
when it comes to boundary layer temps in previous winter storms
across the Mid Atlantic. However, it does not appear to be
initializing well compared to upstream observations, so while
not discounting entirely, it would be surprising if that
solution pans out.
Further south across the Philly Metro area, the ensemble
guidance confirms deterministic guidance with a modest 0.5-1.5C
warm noise setting up over the southern portion of the forecast
area.
What all this means is that in areas north of I-78, we'll
likely see mostly snow throughout the event. From roughly Philly
to I-78, we'll see a widespread mix of snow and sleet generally
favoring sleet as there's warm air starting the melting process
aloft, and for areas south and east of Philly it will be mostly
a rain event.
As for specific totals, the challenge in addition to ptype is
the presence of a good 850mb deformation band expected to
develop as a result of strong 700mb fgen. This points to the
development of a mesoscale band that sets up somewhere between
I78 and the Catskills. Within that band, we'll see orographic
lift and snowfall rates of 1- 2" an hour. Ensemble guidance
suggests that the band will most likely be pushing through
between 7-11pm but could arrive as early as 5pm.
This leads to snowfall totals in the warned area ranging from
4-6 for the lower elevations and southern portion of the
warning, with amounts in the 6-10 range in the northern portion.
Highest confidence to see those higher totals are in northern
Sussex and Morris County as well in local higher elevation
spots. All of this remains subject to the warm nose staying
south however so the failure mode for this forecast is somewhat
high. Regardless if some spots in the warning do not reach the
6" criteria, the presence of inch an hour snow rates in the
night time rush hour on a Friday suggest high potential for
travel disruptions over the holiday weekend.
Looking further south, its really all about how strong the warm
nose is. Soundings and guidance have honed in on the idea that
for most of this area, its going to be predominately a sleet
storm. Current forecast has about 2 to 5" south of I-78 to about
I-195 in NJ and from Monroe County south to the Allentown area
in PA. No changes to the Winter Weather Advisory in this area.
Around the Philly metro area out to about Reading and points
south in PA and into South Jersey, generally a coating to 2
inches of snow/sleet are expected. Areas along and west of the
I-95 corridor also see some light icing, up to a 0.05" or so,
though higher amounts over a tenth and up to two tenths are
anticipated over portions of Chester and Berks County (thank
cold air damming for that). Thinking the stronger dynamics and
colder air is more off to the north, limiting snow totals with a
brief period of snow and a prolonged period of sleet. While
less snow is expected, it will be quite messy with the
combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Winter Weather
Advisory remains in effect for this area.
Going further south to far South Jersey, and northern Delmarva
there is increased confidence in potential for icing. Low-level
cold air will struggle to be removed as warm-air advection at
the surface is not particularly strong. The result will be a
period of freezing rain and a Winter Weather Advisory for icing
rather than snow in Salem/Cumberland County in NJ, New Castle
County in DE, and Kent County in DE. HREF Probability is around
60-80% to see measurable ice accumulation in these spots
tonight. While there will be some snow at onset, significant
accumulations are unexpected, with amounts only up to an inch.
For the South Jersey coast and lower Delmarva, this will
primarily be a rain event. While some flakes are possible at
onset, a quick change to rain is expected.
Precipitation tapers off Saturday morning as temperatures
struggle to warm into the 30s. For areas with a fresh snowpack
anticipate sub freezing max temps while areas further south
should be able to warm into mid to upper 30s.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
Relatively tranquil with high pressure but lingering clouds
Saturday night. Despite this, reinforcing shot of colder air
behind the clipper likely results in lows in the teens north,
20s central and southern regions.
Flow turns more southerly as a warm front approaches during the
day Sunday. This should allow much of the region to warm above
freezing, with mid-upper 40s likely in southern Delaware and far
southern New Jersey, though struggling to reach freezing in the
far north. This front may bring some rain with it later in the
day, but more likely Sunday night. As it lifts through Sunday
night, lingering cold air may result in some freezing rain
across northern areas like the Poconos and NW NJ for a time
Sunday night, but it should eventually warm enough for plain
rain. After early evening lows just a few degrees below Sunday's
highs, temps likely rise later at night region-wide.
For Monday, the main story is the cold front blowing through.
Southerly winds ahead of it should push temps up into the 50s
for most of the region, with near 60 or perhaps even above 60s
south of Philly, best chance of mid-60s being southern Delaware.
With the cold front coming through, we'll have some more
showers, maybe even a rumble of thunder, but the main story is
probably the wind, which will be gusty from the south ahead of
the front then switching northwest and getting very strong
behind it. Gusts may exceed 40 mph, and wind advisories can't be
ruled out Monday afternoon. Temps start to crash after frontal
passage, but the real drop will be at night.
&&
.LONG TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Low pressure and cold front moving away from the region Monday
night with a relatively tranquil, but cold and windy week
beyond. Various reinforcing shots of cold air may arrive with
weak but mainly dry cold fronts, with precip more likely to stay
north of our region with them, but can't rule out a clipper
sneaking a bit further south at one point. Highs will mostly be
in the 30s with lows in the teens and 20s, subtract a few
degrees in the Poconos and add a few in southern Delaware.
Coldest day appears to be Friday when much of the region may
struggle to rise above freezing in the wake of one of the
reinforcing shots of cold air.
&&
.AVIATION /19Z FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
The following discussion is for KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG,
KILG, KMIV, KACY and surrounding areas.
Rest of Today (through 23Z)...VFR with lowering ceilings.
Precip will begin to move in from west to east between 20-23Z
likely causing ceilings/visibilities to drop to MVFR at the
onset. Anticipate most terminals to begin as period of light
snow or sleet. East-southeast winds around 5-10 kt. Moderate
confidence.
Tonight...A mix of snow and sleet early is expected to
changeover to widespread sleet at all terminals by the evening.
At times, periods of freezing rain may become possible late.
Precipitation is expected to changeover to plain rain for
KILG/KMIV/KACY by 03-05Z. Heaviest precip should exit by 06-09Z,
with residual areas of drizzle/freezing drizzle/flurries
possible thereafter. Largely anticipate IFR to LIFR ceilings
with visibilities as low as 1 mile. Winds mainly out of the east
gradually becoming northeast around 5 kt. Low confidence
overall, especially with regard to timing and precipitation
types.
Saturday...Residual snow showers, drizzle and/or freezing
drizzle in the morning, will come to an end by mid-late morning.
LIFR to IFR ceilings are expected to gradually improve
especially after 15-16Z where at times MVFR/VFR ceilings may be
possible after 18Z. North- northeast winds around 10-15 kt. Low-
moderate confidence overall.
Outlook...
Saturday night through Sunday...Primarily VFR conditions
expected with periods of sub-VFR conditions possible. A chance
of rain expected by Sunday afternoon.
Sunday night through Monday...Sub-VFR conditions likely with
periods of rain. Rain may become heavy at times. Southwest winds
may gust up to 20-25 kt on Monday.
Monday night through Tuesday...VFR. Westerly winds with gusts
up to 35 kt at times.
Tuesday night through Wednesday...VFR. Westerly winds with
gusts up to 20 kt at times.
&&
.MARINE...
No marine headlines through today and most of tonight. Seas 2
to 4 feet and winds out of the east/southeast around 10-15 kt.
Late tonight and all of tomorrow, a Small Craft Advisory is in
effect. Winds out of the northeast will increase to 15-20 kt
with gusts around 25 kt. Seas also build into the 4 to 7 foot
range. Sub- SCA conditions on Delaware Bay expected with winds
only around 10-20 kt.
Outlook...
Winds and seas wind down Saturday night, with SCA conditions
gradually ending on the ocean waters north to south through the
night. Should be mostly sub-SCA for Sunday, then SCA conditions
may ramp up during the night. SCA's transition to gales during
the day Monday as a strong cold front blows through. Gales may
persist at times through the week, with SCA conditions likely at
other times, but strongest winds likely later Monday into
Tuesday.
&&
.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM EST Saturday for PAZ070-
101-102.
Winter Storm Warning until 10 AM EST Saturday for PAZ055.
Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM EST Saturday for PAZ054-
060>062-071-103>106.
NJ...Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM EST Saturday for NJZ009-
014>021-026-027.
Winter Storm Warning until 10 AM EST Saturday for NJZ001-007-
008.
Winter Storm Warning until 10 AM EST Saturday for NJZ010-012-
013.
DE...Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM EST Saturday for DEZ001.
MD...Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM EST Saturday for MDZ012.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 3 AM to 9 PM EST Saturday for ANZ450.
Small Craft Advisory from 5 AM Saturday to 4 AM EST Sunday for
ANZ451.
Small Craft Advisory from 8 AM Saturday to 6 AM EST Sunday for
ANZ452>455.
&&
SYNOPSIS...DeSilva/Hoeflich/RCM
NEAR TERM...Deal/Hoeflich
SHORT TERM...RCM
LONG TERM...RCM
AVIATION...DeSilva
MARINE...Hoeflich/RCMHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 511 AM EST Fri Dec 26 2025 MDZ015-019-020-271015- Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline- 511 AM EST Fri Dec 26 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. MDZ012-271015- Kent MD- 511 AM EST Fri Dec 26 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM EST SATURDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Winter Weather Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Winter Weather Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
1 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.
Trace amounts of snow and sleet were reported. A light glaze of freezing rain/freezing drizzle was also reported across the county. As much as 0.15 of ice was reported at the New Castle County Airport.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Delaware in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyWarnings in Delaware, December 2025
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1305577.