BETHLEHEM, Pa. — First responders and service providers across the Lehigh Valley are urging residents to prepare, as a severe winter storm is expected to bear down on the region.
Forecasts Friday afternoon from the National Weather Service predicted 10 to 16 inches of snow for the Allentown area all day Sunday.
Local governments and non-profit organizations are scrambling resources ahead of the storm.
Northampton County residents in need of shelter, transportation and other services are encouraged to call the county's Information and Referral Line (Non-Crisis) at 610-829-4500.
Staff on the hotline then will direct callers toward the available resources.
Area shelters also have worked to expand the number of beds ahead of the storm.
Michael Reisman, association director of communications at River Crossing YMCA, said they expected to have about 120 beds at the Allentown Warming Station at 425 S. 15th St. on Friday night.
Officials in Northampton County were directing others seeking shelter to the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter at 75 E. Market St.
Potential guests need to get a voucher from Bethlehem Police Department. People in need of shelter also can go to the Safe Harbor Shelter at 536 Bushkill Drive in Easton.
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania advised residents across the Keystone State to ready food, medicine, batteries and chargers for electronic devices such as cell phones and wheelchairs.
Pet owners also should keep leashes, pet food and towels handy.
People are advised to stay off the roads, but if driving is necessary, they should consider keeping warm clothing, First Aid kits and boots in their vehicles.
Homeowners with generators are reminded they should never be turned on indoors and should not be plugged into a wall outlet.
Appliances should be plugged directly into the generator.
