BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A snow squall warning is in effect this afternoon for parts of the Lehigh Valley.
The National Weather Service issued the warning shortly after 2:10 p.m. and extended it several times, until 4:45 p.m., for parts of Lehigh and Northampton counties.
The warning initially covered areas north and west of Allentown, extending into Lehighton and Jim Thorpe in Carbon County. It was extended to cover most of Northampton County, including Hellertown and Easton and reaching north to Wind Gap.
A snow squall is a burst of sudden heavy snowfall that can cause treacherous driving conditions because of the lack of visibility.
Areas along the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 209 were in the warning zone, according to the weather service. So was Interstate 380 and Interstate 80 in Monroe County.
The warning comes after parts of the region got socked by more than a foot of snow overnight.
For motorists on interstates, it’s best to get off the road at the nearest exit to ensure safety, according to the weather service. If that can’t be done, slow down and turn on your flashing hazard lights, the weather service urges.
