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Winter storm warning for Lehigh Valley: When the snow will start, how much and what to expect

A winter storm is set to deliver as much as 10 inches of snow to parts of the Lehigh Valley on Sunday (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
A winter storm is set to deliver as much as 10 inches of snow to parts of the Lehigh Valley on Sunday (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
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NEW STORY: Snowflakes begin falling as Lehigh Valley remains under winter storm warning for heavy snow

What is shaping up to be the Lehigh Valley’s biggest snowfall of the season is set to impact the region Sunday, delivering up to eight inches of snow, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service has issued from 7 a.m. Sunday through 1 a.m. Monday.

When will the snow start and end?

Snowfall from the northwest-moving winter storm will likely begin around 10:30-11 a.m., according to meteorologist Nick Guzzo with the weather service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Winds will be from the north at 5 to 10 mph.

The snow will be heavy at times, with snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour developing over the afternoon, according to the weather service. Areas of blowing snow could create near-whiteout conditions.

Travel will become difficult, if not downright dangerous.

The precipitation is expected to taper off by around 7 p.m. As it does, winds will also likely pick up to 10 to 15 mph.

Although the snow will be move out, plummeting temperatures could cause icy and slippery conditions to persist.

How much snow can we expect?

While exact estimates have varied, Guzzo said Saturday the weather service expects about 4 to 8 inches of snow by the time the storm wraps up in the evening.

These are the snowfall projections issued Saturday afternoon by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, for Sunday's winter storm.
These are the snowfall projections issued Sunday morning by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, for Sunday’s winter storm.

Guzzo said the large and widespread storm will bring snow to the entire region up to the Interstate 95 corridor, which would see more rain or a rain-snow mix.

He added that the main impact he’s concerned about is snow-covered roads leading to treacherous travel conditions.

How utility companies are preparing

Although Guzzo said he’s not too concerned about the threat of power outages due to a lack of extreme wind during the storm, area utility companies said they are prepared for whatever the storm brings.

Met-Ed spokesperson Brittany Al Dawood said those preparations begin months in advance. She referred to , which outlined “equipment inspections and maintenance to help keep electricity flowing to customers so they can stay safe and comfortable throughout the cold winter season.”

That maintenance includes using helicopters to inspect transmission lines and trimming trees to maintain proper clearance around electrical equipment.

“We focus our winter preparations on readying our electric distribution and transmission systems to safely deliver electricity to our customers when they need it most to stay warm,” John Hawkins, the president of FirstEnergy — Met-Ed’s parent company — Pennsylvania, said in the December news release.

Staying safe if the power goes out

Met-Ed and PPL offer these , including:

  • Avoid using outdoor cooking equipment and lanterns indoors
  • Only use portable generators outside
  • Fully charge devices such as phones in case of emergencies
  • Have a flashlight and portable radio ready
  • Unplug electronics during outages
  • Dress warmer indoors and open drapes that receive sunlight
  • Roll up towels and blankets against the bottom of exterior doors to prevent drafts.

Road restrictions

In a Saturday news release, PennDOT announced a list of vehicle restrictions during the storm on Sunday.

Tier 3 vehicle restrictions will take effect at 6 a.m. on Interstate 476 from exits 20 to 56, and at 9 a.m. on all of Interstate 78, Interstate 476 from exits 56 to 131, Route 22 from Interstate 78 to the New Jersey border, and all of Route 33.

Highways with Tier 3 restrictions only permit loaded single trailers with chains or approved alternate traction devices. Buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, cars, SUVs and trucks are prohibited.

Additional speed limit restrictions are expected during the storm. Motorists can find the latest road conditions and restrictions at .

Cold weather ahead

While the winter storm warning ends early Monday, temperatures will remain sub-freezing until next weekend as a polar vortex disruption brings Arctic air to a large portion of the United States. The Lehigh Valley is expected to see its lowest temperatures in years.

The expected frigid conditions in the nation’s capital have prompted Donald Trump’s second inauguration Monday to be moved inside.

Weather service meteorologist Sarah Johnson said this increases the risk for hypothermia and frostbite. She recommended wearing warm hats and gloves outside, minding more vulnerable populations such as the very young and old, and opening cabinets where water pipes are located to avoid damage.

Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service for the Lehigh Valley:

Sunday: Snow, mainly after 10 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 30. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Sunday Night: A chance of snow before 1 a.m. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 13. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 21. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around -2.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 17.

Tuesday Night: A chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 17.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around -2.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 22.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Originally Published:

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