Three people have died in Lehigh County from shoveling or snow-removal activities during the recent snowstorm, authorities said.
The incidents all happened Sunday. The deceased ranged in age 60 to 84, and all were doing snow clean-up when they experienced a medical emergency, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio said.
Buglio deemed each of the deaths natural. The coroner’s office is not releasing the identifications of the individuals involved out of respect to the families.
Buglio said medical episodes, often cardiac-related, can be common during strenuous activity, such as snow removal, or among those with underlying conditions.
“I remind the public to use caution when shoveling snow, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and seek assistance when possible — especially individuals with a history of heart disease or other medical concerns,” Buglio said.
The snow began falling after 3 a.m. Sunday. By 5:30 a.m. in Easton, the streets and walkways were coated in snow.
AccuWeather forecast snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour that lasted well through midday Sunday. The snow later mixed with sleet through Sunday afternoon and into the evening.
When it was all said and done, the winter storm left close to a foot of snow across much of the Lehigh Valley, with some areas recording nearly 17 inches.
The Lehigh Valley additionally is battling freezing temps through the start of the week.
Temperatures are expected to remain very cold with wind chills between 5 and 10 degrees below zero expected.
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory, which is in effect for the region from 7 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Wednesday. This includes portions of central, northern and northwest Jersey and east central and southeast Pennsylvania.