It looks like we'll be getting a little nuisance snow later today. "We'll have a little snow at times late today into tonight. We expect accumulations of a coating to an inch resulting in slow or slippery travel," says Accu-Weather's Joe Lundberg. He expects the snow to begin falling around 4 or 5 o'clock this afternon and continue into the overnight. After the snow, the big issue will be cold. An Extreme Cold Warning kicks in at 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Lundberg says Accu-Weather RealFeel temperatures could sink to as low as 25 degrees below zero tomorrow.
A ski resort in Monroe County is expanding its skiing and riding season, thanks to enhanced snowmaking techniques and the cold winter. Camelback Resort is extending daily skiing and riding through April 12, followed by weekend operations through the first weekend of May, should conditions and weather permit.
The Lehigh Valley Zoo is making changes to this year's Otter Bowl with an Extreme Cold Watch in effect this weekend. For over a decade, the zoo's otters have picked who will win the Super Bowl, but because it'll be too cold for them, this year's pick will be made by the giraffes. The zoo says Joshua and Tatu will decide between the Seahawks and Patriots by "sacking" one of two papier-mache footballs filled with grain and other snacks. The Zoo is closed this weekend due to the frigid conditions, but the pick will be livestreamed on their Facebook page Sunday at noon.
Crews in Lehigh County were called to yet more water main breaks Thursday. The first was in Whitehall Township, near Echo Drive and Echo Circle. Later Thursday night, crews were sent to repair a water main break along South Fairview Road in Salisbury Township. Officials say this is the latest in a string of breaks tied to this winter's extreme cold.
The fire that tore through parts of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City late Wednesday night remains under investigation. The fire, which broke out around 9:30 forced the evacuation of 77 patients. Officials have given no indication when the hospital might be able to reopen.
A bill to restrict student cellphone use during the school day has passed the Pennsylvania Senate and now heads to the House. It would establish a "bell-to-bell phone-free policy" for Commonwealth schools. Sen. Vincent Hughes backs the measure. "This is something that we need to get all the way home. We owe it to our children to give them the environment where that classroom time, that bell-to-bell experience is maximized by them," Hughes says.
Eligible homeowners and renters can expect to see their annual Stay NJ property tax payments beginning next week. The program offers property tax benefits to eligible homeowners aged 65 and older. The program reimburses 50 percent of a property tax bill, up to a maximum of 13-thousand dollars.
The Long Branch City Council has approved a contract for construction of a new pier its members say will be a first for New Jersey. It will replace Long Branch's historic pier that was destroyed by fire in 1987 and will be the state's first fully accessible fishing and pedestrian pier. It won't feature attractions or amusements like the original pier. It will feature a large decorative archway at its entrance. Construction is set to start at the beginning of the summer season and will take up to 18 months to complete. .
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim usually logs the most minutes of any Flyers player. When he plays in the Olympcs for Team Canada that almost certainly won't be the case, but he says he couldn't care less. "I'll fill the water bottles if they need me to. You're going to the Olympics for Team Canada. It means a lot. It's special. Whatever's asked of me, I'm going to accept and do. Ultimately, I just want the team to do well and have a chance to win gold," Sanheim says. Sanheim will be joined by defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen on Team Finland, goalie Dan Vladar for Czechia and head coach Rick Tocchet, who'll be an assistant for the Canadians. Center Rodrigo Abols was chosen for Latvia, but is unable to play due to a broken ankle.