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A powerful winter storm is battering Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley region this Monday (February 23), dropping several inches of snow, triggering travel restrictions, and prompting a disaster emergency declaration from the governor.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has significantly expanded vehicle restrictions across the state's interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike in response to the storm, with speed limits reduced to 45 mph in affected areas.
A Winter Storm Warning covering Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks counties remains in effect until 6 p.m. today. Forecasters expect an additional four inches of accumulation in those areas, with winds gusting as high as 40 mph. Snowfall rates could exceed one inch per hour, and whiteout conditions are possible.
The Pocono region is facing even more severe conditions, with a Blizzard Warning in effect for Carbon and Monroe counties until 6 p.m. Winds there could gust as high as 50 mph, and an additional two to seven inches of snow is expected on top of what has already fallen. Total storm accumulations across the broader Lehigh Valley are forecast at four to eight inches, while the Poconos could see eight to 14 inches before it's all over.
The heavy, wet snow is sticking to trees and power lines, raising the risk of downed branches and scattered power outages across the region. Forecasters warn that record-breaking snowfall totals are possible.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency in response to the storm, unlocking additional state resources to manage the crisis.
Drivers are urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Anyone who must travel should carry a winter survival kit and, if stranded, stay with their vehicle. Real-time road conditions are available by calling 511.
The storm is expected to taper from steadier snowfall to snow showers and flurries by early afternoon, with partly cloudy and breezy conditions returning tonight. Both the Monday morning and evening commutes are expected to be significantly impacted across the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties.