Three people have died in Lehigh County from shoveling or snow-removal activities during the recent snowstorm, authorities said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Buglio deemed each of the deaths natural. The coroner\u2019s office is not releasing the identifications of the individuals involved out of respect to the families.<\/p>\n
Buglio said medical episodes, often cardiac-related, can be common during strenuous activity, such as snow removal, or among those with underlying conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remind the public to use caution when shoveling snow, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and seek assistance when possible \u2014 especially individuals with a history of heart disease or other medical concerns,\u201d Buglio said.<\/p>\n
The snow began falling after 3 a.m. Sunday. By 5:30 a.m. in Easton, the streets and walkways were coated in snow.<\/p>\n
AccuWeather<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n When it was all said and done, the winter storm <\/a>left close to a foot of snow across much of the Lehigh Valley, with some areas recording nearly 17 inches.<\/a><\/p>\n The Lehigh Valley additionally is battling freezing temps through the start of the week.<\/p>\n Temperatures are expected to remain very cold with wind chills between 5 and 10 degrees below zero expected.<\/p>\n