A major winter storm is poised to impact the Lehigh Valley starting Friday afternoon and continuing into Saturday, bringing with it a mix of heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and significant icing. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Carbon, Monroe, Northampton, and Lehigh counties, effective from 3 p.m. on Friday until 10 a.m. on Saturday, warning of widespread travel disruptions and hazardous conditions.
The storm is expected to kick off with snow accumulation, transitioning into a combination of snow and sleet, with estimated totals ranging from one to five inches in the Allentown area. Residents can expect the most challenging conditions during the evening rush hour, with snowfall rates potentially reaching one to two inches per hour.
Regions north of Interstate 78 are likely to see primarily snow, while those to the south will experience a mix of precipitation types. As temperatures remain sluggish, they are forecasted to stay in the mid-30s on Saturday, with road conditions expected to be dangerous throughout the day.
Looking beyond the weekend, temperatures are anticipated to drop into the low 20s Saturday night, followed by a brief warmup on Sunday that could bring highs in the upper 30s to low 40s. However, another cold front is projected to move in early next week, introducing gusty winds and even colder weather.
Residents are urged to stay updated with local weather reports, prepare for possible travel delays, and exercise caution when driving during the winter storm. Keeping emergency supplies in vehicles is also advisable as conditions are likely to change rapidly.