Storm to be as advertised with at most 2 to 4 inches in Lehigh Valley, northwest New Jersey, forecasts say

There could be less accumulation because of the surface being well above freezing.

It is as was expected in recent days.

If there is an "atmospheric bomb," it won't go off over the Lehigh Valley or northwest New Jersey, according to this morning's forecast for a snowstorm that's going to pass mostly to the south, where more than a foot could fall.

It was nearly 40 degrees just before sun-up in Easton, with the storm dropping light snow or ran to the south and west of the region. What arrives here will get here late this morning or early this afternoon, WeatherWorks meteorologist Rob Reale said just after 6 o'clock.

The Hackettstown-based forecaster sees at most 1 inch of snow during the daylight hours, but it could be less because the "pavement" temperature was 40 degrees at 6:15 after going up to 70 on a very sunny Tuesday.

Once the snow starts to fall, the pavement could cool some, he said. But the overnight low isn't expected to go much, if at all, below freezing, so as the storm picture comes into focus, it's going to look a lot like many other storms this winter. A nuisance, but not much more.

The only initial indication of bad weather was a strong breeze early this morning, which seemed to switch directions, but will eventually come from the northeast, Reale said. There could be problems at the Jersey Shore.

Clouds at 5:30 in Easton still had breaks, but appeared more dense to the south. Moderate snow was falling in the predawn in Maryland, Reale said.

There could be 1 to 3 more inches of accumulation overnight here, but that's dependent on temperature, he said. The National Weather Service agrees. Watch the storm arrive on AccuWeather's radar.

Tonight's rush hour could have a few slick spots as the precipitation should be all snow by then, he said. But the accumulation forecast is consistent, even for southern Hunterdon County, he said. Thursday's morning rush should come late enough that much of the severe weather will be in the past.

Not much on the cancellation page this morning, but you might want to check this link Thursday. Overnight parking is suspended on Hackettstown streets and in municipal lots, police report.

With it being March, with warmer temperatures and lighter snow, "it has trouble accumulating with all that against it," Reale said.