Allentown, Pennsylvania – The Tuesday morning commute across eastern Pennsylvania could slow quickly as freezing rain develops by 5 a.m., coating roads and bridges with up to one tenth of an inch of ice before lunchtime.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday for Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Snow totals will remain under 1 inch, but a light glaze of ice could create hazardous travel conditions during peak drive times.
Major corridors including Interstate 78, Route 22, Route 33 and Route 222 near Reading may become slick before sunrise. Elevated roadways and untreated secondary streets in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton are especially vulnerable to icing. Even minor ice buildup can reduce traction and increase stopping distances.
PennDOT crews are expected to monitor and treat primary highways, but drivers should slow down, allow extra braking space and check 511PA for real-time road updates before heading out. Sidewalks and parking lots may also turn slippery.
The advisory expires at 1 p.m. Tuesday, though officials will continue monitoring temperatures in case icy patches linger into the afternoon.
