Environment & Science

PPL Electric Utilities and Met-Ed reported more than 13,000 customers without power Tuesday morning as a winter storm swept through the region.

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.

Thousands of raptors — from vultures, eagles and kites to hawks, kestrels and falcons — are expected to make their annual trek through the region over the next three months, and researchers at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center are in need of volunteers.

While Monday night’s storm failed to live up to its full potential, the Lehigh Valley will deal with one more day of wet and stormy weather.

Northampton County's upcoming hazardous waste collection event is by appointment only, and those who show up without one will be turned away, a news release said Monday.

The National Weather Service warned early Monday of the next round of severe weather taking aim at the Lehigh Valley, and this time it will be a mostly nocturnal event.

$798,869 is set for a Turkey Hill Mini Market in Allentown off of I-78, Exit 57 and $727,420 is designated for a charging station at the Wawa off I-78 Exit 49 A-B

Jason Apreku, 21, was hiking with friends Friday when he collapsed on Mount Madison, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said in a statement.

Some remained without power Sunday morning after a powerful line of storms rumbled through overnight. A mostly quiet weather day was forecast.

Musikfest attracts tens of thousands of people to the city each day during its 10-day run. Officials said they’re continuously working to lessen the event’s impact on the environment.

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.

Following morning sunshine, thunderstorms are in the forecast. But will the Lehigh Valley see severe weather on Saturday?

Record-warm ocean temperatures are likely to fuel the peak of hurricane season, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday.

For those who lost power in their homes due to the tornado that raced through Allentown on Monday, the first thought would be to call PPL. Think again.