Potential for early week major winter storm, but uncertainty looms

Confidence remains low, but forecasters are tracking a storm that may produce significant snowfall at the Jersey Shore early next week. 

The initial threat begins Sunday night, as an Alberta Clipper system will track from the Ohio Valley through the region, delivering a period of mostly light snow in South Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.

One to three inches of snow is currently in the service’s forecast from Sunday night through Monday, which would impact the Monday morning commute, the latest Forecast Discussion from the NWS office in Mount Holly, NJ advises. 

The clipper system, once offshore from the Delmarva region Monday night, may then rapidly intensify and develop a deep low pressure system, creating gusty winds and heavy snow through Tuesday, according to the service’s Forecast Discussion. 

However, certain forecast models “have some degree of uncertainty with the system,” but the service warns that “any track further west would bring excessive snow into the New Jersey area Tuesday,” which would certainly impact the morning commute. 

While the service is not currently calling for excessive snowfall, forecasters say to pay close attention as the situation evolves.