Lehigh Valley Weather

The winter storm that prompted dire forecasts and a statewide disaster declaration largely fizzled in the Lehigh Valley, leaving the area with only moderate to light snowfall by Monday morning.

As the Lehigh Valley’s most recent blanket of snow rapidly melts away, Mother Nature appears ready to test the region’s patience all over again.

Weeks of below-freezing temperatures made the snowstorm much harder to manage, Mayor Matt Tuerk said, highlighting the uncommon sight of a frozen-over Lehigh River.

The early LIHEAP crisis numbers already represent a notable share of last winter’s total in the Lehigh Valley, according to data provided by the Department of Human Services.

An extreme cold warning, combined with a wind advisory also in effect, could mean wind chills as low as 20 degrees below zero for the region this weekend.

Month-to-date snowfall in the Allentown area now stands at 20.8 inches, nearly triple the normal January average of 7.7 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio confirmed Monday that three deaths reported Sunday are being attributed to snow shoveling and snow removal activity.

The storm dropped a record 11.8 inches of snow on Lehigh Valley International Airport, breaking the old record of 10.4 inches for the date set in 1988.

Forecasters say the Lehigh Valley region could see 10 to 16 inches of snow and sleet accumulations, with a wintry mix of snow and sleet expected Sunday afternoon and evening. A winter storm warning remains in effect into Monday afternoon.

Forecasters now expect widespread snow totals of 12 to 18 inches across much of the region, with locally higher amounts possible. The warning replaces the earlier watch, signaling that severe winter weather is now considered imminent.