BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The National Weather Service upgraded Northampton and Lehigh counties to a winter storm warning, overriding the winter storm watch, in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday through 1 a.m. Monday.
Heavy snow is expected, with total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches, with roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, likely becoming slick and hazardous.
"Temperatures are expected to fall into the teens Sunday night and remain below freezing for several days. As a result, icy and slippery conditions may persist even after precipitation has ended," the weather service said.
Travel could be very difficult, and drivers are being urged to stay off the roads, or if travel is necessary, be prepared with an extra flashlight, food and water in case of emergency.
In terms of timing, the weather service expects precipitation to move into the region southwest to northeast beginning by mid-to-late morning Sunday, with the heaviest snow falling during the afternoon into the early evening.
Dial 511 for updated road conditions
The state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) concur, asking motorists to avoid travel if not necessary during the storm and to exercise caution when driving.
PennDOT and the PA Turnpike will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.
"At points throughout the storm, snowfall rates could reach three-quarters of an inch to one inch per hour. While PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will be working to keep roads as clear as possible, roads will not be completely free of ice and snow while snow is falling," they said in an email Saturday afternoon.
They advise reducing speeds and exercising caution for those who must travel during the storm. Temperatures are expected to drop quickly Sunday evening, creating a rapid freeze risk, and "dangerously cold weather is forecast for much of the Commonwealth after the storm."
The following travel restrictions have been announced, but see further details here:
Starting 6 a.m. Sunday, certain travel restrictions are in place for the PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Mid-County (Exit 20) to Lehigh Valley (Exit 56).
Starting 9 a.m. Sunday, travel restrictions also will be in effect here:
- I-78, entire length
- I-81 from I-78 to PA Turnpike 476.
- I-80 from I-180 to the New Jersey border.
- I-84, entire length.
- I-380, entire length.
- PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Lehigh Valley (Exit 56) to Clarks Summit (Exit 131)
- U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border. Route 33, entire length.
For details and the latest travel information, go to 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the most up-to-date information on weather impacts and vehicle restrictions.
