Environment & Science

Several Lehigh Valley schools are closing Tuesday because of the weather forecast.

Early Monday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning in effect for the Lehigh Valley for 7 to 10 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts over the higher elevations.

One area of potential concern at the Allentown State Hospital had been the presence of dioxins in the soil. Dioxins are a group of toxic chemical compounds that take a long time to break down in the environment, and can cause health problems in people.

Betelgeuse is the red supergiant star at Orion’s ‘right shoulder.’

Lehigh and Northampton counties are under a winter storm watch in effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, with 4 to 8 inches of heavy, wet snow possible.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

It’s a special year for cicadas, insects known for their high-pitched mating songs. Two adjacent broods are expected to co-emerge for the first time in 221 years. Here's the next time they emerge in the Valley.

Northern flying squirrels are endangered, and the Pa. Game Commission works to improve their habitat. A group went searching for the species in the Poconos.

Stanley cups have skyrocketed in popularity, following other trends in reusable drinkware. But, fads like these can encourage overconsumption, experts said.

Right now, the overall pattern isn’t very conducive to significant snowfall for the Lehigh Valley and the Mid-Atlantic next week. Here's what will make or break the event for snow lovers.

Thousands in the Lehigh Valley and nearby remain without power as PPL sets up resource centers for those impacted

Will it snow next week? How about the week after? Weather enthusiasts are constantly hanging on "one model run in a sea of model runs," making the job of the local meteorologist even more difficult in trying to convey the forecast.

The region could see wind chills as low as -15 degrees overnight as temperatures rapidly fall. The expected high winds could lead to power outages due to falling branches. PPL says it has 2,000 workers ready to respond.

The vote came after a raucous and at times chaotic council meeting and an hours-long public hearing on the proposal. Residents who showed up to speak against it filled Town Hall.

The National Weather Service said the winter storm targeting the Lehigh Valley contains "an air mass the likes of which we haven’t seen for several years."

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about possible carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the improper use of portable generators and provided tips to prevent it.

Its previous owners, the Mauser family, sold the property below value to realize a long-term goal of preserving its forest, farmland and streams, a statement said.

The Lower Saucon Township Council is considering a measure to clear the way for Bethlehem Landfill's expansion, in part by giving themselves more control over its approval. Here's what the proposal says.

The specimens on display are made up of bodies donated for the purpose – those individuals who agreed, upon their death, that their bodies could be used for educational purposes in the exhibition.

Lower Saucon Township is considering zoning changes, so Bethlehem Landfill can expand, and one state lawmaker representing the area near the landfill is opposed.

The storm is being described as an “impactful extratropical cyclone” — the type that has cold air at its core and derives its energy from cold and warm air masses interacting.

Will the Lehigh Valley see a white Christmas? It could happen, forecasters say, but there's a larger concern from a very 'complex' storm that's taking shape — and coming this way.