Snow is coming to an end Monday morning across the Lehigh Valley, which has avoided the worst of a major winter storm bringing blizzard conditions to New Jersey, New York and other parts of the Northeast, but high winds continuing through the day could continue to reduce visibility and make travel difficult.
The region remains under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. A blizzard warning remains in effect in the Poconos due to high wind gusts.
“It is important to note that regardless of whether blizzard criteria is met for any given location, the combination of strong winds and heavy snow will lead to nearly impossible travel conditions, as well as the potential for scattered power outages,” the weather service warned.
The snow should end by mid-morning, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said. The Lehigh Valley could see another 2-3 inches before the storm ends. Another 6-8 inches could fall in the Poconos.
The Lehigh Valley was spared the brunt of the storm. About 5.2 inches was reported at Lehigh Valley International Airport as of 7 a.m. The highest reported amount locally was 6.3 inches in Salisbury Township, though that was as of 12:20 a.m. Other areas of Lehigh and Northampton counties reported between 3 and 5 inches of snow.
That’s a far cry from the 18 inches reported in areas of southern Bucks County and southern New Jersey. Philadelphia International Airport recorded 13.7 inches as of 7 a.m.
Reduced speed limits remain in place along major highways, but the Pennsylvania Turnpike lifted bans on certain vehicles Monday morning.
There are no widespread power outages, but both PPL and Met-Ed were reporting small pockets of weather-related outages in the Bethlehem and Easton areas. Some downed trees, limbs and wires were reported across the Valley, with the weight of the wet, sticky snow a concern.
Even with the snow ending, high winds with gusts up to 40 mph in the Lehigh Valley and 50 mph in the Poconos are expected. Wind could lead to additional downed trees and power outages, the weather service warns.
Many Lehigh Valley municipalities declared snow emergencies ahead of the storm, and PennDOT has implemented road restrictions, including banning all commercial vehicles from many eastern Pennsylvania highways. Schools are closed or have declared virtual snow days.
The weather is expected to remain unsettled into next week, with wind gusts lasting into Tuesday and possible light snow or a wintry mix Tuesday night into Wednesday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.