Philadelphia region digging out from winter storm | Live Updates

The latest forecast models continue to nudge this weekend's winter storm track farther north.

The Euro model shows an area of low pressure to our south helping to steer the system, leading to the potential for an icy mix across parts of our region.

Some locations, including southern New Jersey and southern Delaware, could even see a period of rain before the storm wraps up, the Euro shows.

The GFS model is also trending warmer, now showing more mixing across the Philadelphia region and even some rain in Delaware.

That's a notable shift from just a day ago, when it had projected all snow across the area.

AccuWeather is currently calling for a 55% chance of a major snowstorm with 6 to 10 inches of accumulation.

There's also a 25% chance that totals could exceed 10 inches.

AAA is urging drivers to be prepared if they have to be on the roads during the major winter storm expected in the Philadelphia area this weekend.

Most importantly, if you can, stay off the roads so the plow trucks can do their work.

AAA is urging drivers to prepare their vehicles ahead of the major winter storm expected in the Philadelphia area this weekend.

But if you have to drive out into the snow, AAA cautions drivers to first remove all snow and ice from cars, leave plenty of following distance from the car in front of them, and never use cruise control in slippery weather.

AAA also says drivers should fill their gas tank and gather a winter vehicle emergency kit.

Items in the kit should include a flashlight with batteries and a bag of abrasive material, such as kitty litter or sand, in case you get stuck.

Also, check your car battery, which can be done for free at many auto supply shops or AAA if you are a member.

Finally, inflate your tires. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires won't grip the road properly.

The Action News team continues to track a major winter storm that could bring accumulating snow to the region.

Here is the latest update on timing and what to expect.

TIMELINE

The biggest impact is going to be on Sunday. We have issued an AccuWeather Alert.

The latest model guidance now tracks the storm a little farther north. This means there could be some mixing as far north as I-95 after a good thumping of wet, heavy snow at the onset.

HOW MUCH SNOW?

Speaking of heavy snow, most areas could see at least six inches out of the storm or more. The last time we had a storm this large in Philadelphia was six years ago.

Early estimates show snowfall totals in Philadelphia could be major - six to ten inches.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRACKS

The two tracks are back. First, there's the GFS, which places the storm farther south. That keeps the cold air locked in throughout the event, meaning all snow from start to finish.

Meanwhile, the Euro hugs the coast. That introduces some warm air into the upper atmosphere, which could change the snow over to sleet or freezing rain after an initial heavy burst.

No matter which model you look at, all the ensembles - dozens of models blended together - still indicate the region is getting hit by this storm.

OUTSIDE THE CITY

Aside from Philadelphia, who else could see at least six inches of snow?

We're giving it a 70% chance for most of the Delaware Valley, northern Delaware, parts of South Jersey, and areas just south of the Lehigh Valley.

BE PREPARED

It's still days away. A lot will change in the coming days, but one thing looks clear: we're not going to miss the storm.

More than likely, you'll need the snow blower.

Officials across the region are urging residents to stay off the roads if possible as crews prepare for a potentially significant winter storm.

Camden County officials say they hope drivers will reconsider traveling out.

"We're looking for people to not put themselves in harm's way; safety is paramount here. We want people to stick it out at home," Dan Keashen, Camden County's public affairs director, said.

It's 'all-hands-on-deck' as crews prepare for snowstorm

Road crews have been stretched thin recently, still recovering from last weekend's storm while preparing for the next one.

In Camden County, several truckloads of salt were delivered to public works facilities on Tuesday, ensuring coverage for the county's 1,200 lane miles.

Officials say up to 2,500 tons of salt could be used, with about 100 trucks deployed during the storm.

"Right now, we just got eight shipments of salt, eight truckloads just dropped off, salt into our salt dome, Keashen said.

"It's gonna be an all-hands-on-deck. Vacations have been canceled. Every member of the public works department, our parks department, and a couple of other county agencies are going to be ready to lend a hand, helping to plow, treat roads, shovel sidewalks. Make sure that once the snow does stop falling, that we are not behind the eight ball and that we can open up county services relatively quickly right after," Keashen added.

Officials continue to remind anyone who must travel to give plow trucks plenty of space, especially when encountering convoys. At this point, no announcements have been made by local school districts.