Allentown, Pennsylvania – Snow begins falling by 7 a.m. Sunday, and up to 16 inches could bury parts of eastern Pennsylvania before the Monday evening commute ends, threatening major highways and power lines.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and Monroe counties from 7 a.m. Sunday until 6 p.m. Monday. Forecasters expect widespread snowfall totals between 8 and 16 inches, with wind gusts reaching 45 mph. The combination will create blowing snow, reduced visibility and scattered tree damage.
Statewide travel impacts will center on eastern Pennsylvania, where Interstate 78, Interstate 80 and Route 22 could turn snow-covered by late Sunday morning. In Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, snowfall rates may intensify Sunday afternoon and overnight, covering untreated roads before the Monday morning commute. Higher elevations in the Poconos, including Stroudsburg and Jim Thorpe, could see drifting snow as 45 mph gusts whip across exposed roadways.
Travel could become very difficult to impossible at times, especially late Sunday night through midday Monday. Downed tree branches may cause isolated power outages. Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, charge devices and check PennDOT’s 511 system for real-time road conditions. The warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Monday, with additional alerts possible if winds strengthen.
