LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — A 93-year-old township woman died of hypothermia on her back porch this week, Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio announced Friday.
The woman, whom authorities are not identifying, was found by family members who were checking on her welfare Wednesday, according to a news release.
News of her death comes as the Lehigh Valley braces for what may be one of the largest snow storms to hit the region in years.Weather forecasts
She was pronounced dead outside her home at 11:02 p.m. Wednesday. Heart disease was a contributing factor in her death, according to the release.
Buglio said the woman's passing was Lehigh County's first weather-related death of 2026.
News of her death comes as the Lehigh Valley braces for what may be one of the largest snow storms to hit the region in years.
The latest forecasts from the National Weather Service on Friday afternoon anticipated nine to 14 inches of snow beginning Saturday night through Sunday for the Allentown area.
'Look out for one another'
Buglio urged residents to take appropriate precautions for the storm such as stocking up on food and medicine for the weekend.
Households with backup generators may want to test them now to ensure they're working in case they're needed later in the week, he said.
"With the combination of the snow, the wind, the frigid weather, everybody just really needs to look out for one another."Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio
He said he has doubled his staff should they be needed over the weekend. He encouraged the public to call his office at 610-782-3426 if they need to be directed toward resources.
"With the combination of the snow, the wind, the frigid weather, everybody just really needs to look out for one another," Buglio said.
"If you have elderly neighbors, just reach out to them."
