BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Blinding snow squalls are a very real threat in the National Weather Service forecast.
The Lehigh Valley is part of a region where conditions will be ripe Sunday for a sudden burst of snow as an arctic front moves in. The potential exists beginning around mid-morning through the early afternoon.
And more snow — 1 to 3 inches — is in the forecast Monday night into Tuesday.
Overall snow accumulations Sunday generally will be around an inch or less, according to the weather service, but the snow squalls will cause dangerous travel conditions.
Wind gusts as high as 45 mph are possible in the afternoon.
“During a snow squall, the last place you want to be is on the road,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion. “The rapid onset of heavy snowfall and strong winds will cause a sudden drop in visibilities, making travel impossible.”
Sudden, heavy snowfall with an abrupt drop in temperatures could lead to flash freezing and turn roads and pavements into ice.
A great example of what impacts a snow squall can bring if you are caught on the road and why you should avoid travel! We will be on alert later this morning through mid-afternoon for snow squalls. https://t.co/j9dMkJnLJd
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 14, 2024
“Delay travel if a snow squall warning is issued,” the weather service warned.
“If you are caught on the road when a snow squall occurs, use extreme caution, slow down, turn on your hazards, pull over safely to the side of the road, and when safe, quickly exit your vehicle and move as far away from the road as possible.”
“During a snow squall, the last place you want to be is on the road.”National Weather Service forecast discussion
For motorists on interstates, it’s best to get off the road at the nearest exit to ensure safety. If that can’t be done, slow down and turn on your flashing hazard lights, the weather service urges.
The Lehigh Valley and Poconos stand the greatest likelihood for snow squalls because of the elevation, but areas south and east to the Interstate 95 corridor also are at risk, according to the forecast.
Temperatures on Sunday will reach a high of 37 with southwest winds that could reach 20 to 25 mph and gust up to 45 mph, the weather service said. A low temperature around 18 is forecast Sunday night.
Monday will be partly sunny with a high near 31 and winds of 5 to 10 mph.
Snow is likely Monday night after 10 p.m. and into Tuesday before 1 p.m., with a total of 1 to 3 inches possible, according to the forecast.
Monday night's low will be around 22 with highs near 31 on Tuesday.
