The second major snowfall of the season blanketed the area Tuesday morning, with many areas receiving nearly a foot or more of snow.
Summit Hill and the Town of Mahoning received 13 inches of snow by 8:30 a.m., and Albrightsville had 14 inches, with 12 inches and counting in Brodheadsville.
Other statistics from around the region were 11.5 inches in Nesquehoning, 11 inches that fell in Palmerton, 8.5 inches in Beltzville, and 8 in Walnutport.
“It looks like the good average across the region is now at least around 8 to 10 inches,” Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, said early Tuesday. “Of course, those amounts will be a little higher.”
“There is no doubt that there is a big snow storm in the area; “You get up to the Poconos, and some sites are more than a foot high,” Caines said. “If you go south, the quantities diminish fairly quickly.”
The snow was thinning by 10am, leaving a good amount to clean up.
Temperatures this afternoon will likely rise above freezing, before falling below freezing tonight, Kenes said.
“You've got to take care of moving that snow wherever you want it this afternoon before temperatures drop below freezing tonight,” he said. “Obviously any mud that is there will freeze overnight.”
Temperatures tonight will likely drop into the lower 20s, Kenes said.
“On today’s to-do list, the important thing is shoveling sidewalks, shoveling driveways, dumping snow or sand, and taking care of that today,” he said. “You wouldn't want to do it to-morrow; Everything will be frozen. “I know the top layer of snow is probably drier snow, and underneath the first few inches of snow was wet. That's what you have to get rid of.”
Many schools announced school closures or distance learning before the storm.
The roads are covered
As of 9 a.m., there was one empty lane on each side of Route 209 heading toward Lehighton.
Elsewhere, several trees were blocking a lane on Fireline Road.
In Lehighton, Mayor Clark Ritter declared a snow emergency until 6 p.m., and the town office was closed.
Parking is not allowed on the following streets: Bankway, Bridge, Carbon, First, Iron, Mahoning, Ninth, North, Oak, 2nd, Constitution, Sgt., Town Manager Dane DeWire said. Stanley Hoffman Street, Sixth, South, Third, and Twelfth.
“Please limit unnecessary driving and stay safe,” DeWire said. “Our crews are working hard to clear the streets.”
Road cleaning teams
PennDOT spokesman Sean Brown explained how crews were responding to the storm.
“With the amount of snow we are receiving, this is a drillable storm,” Brown said. “Our goal during a storm is to keep the roads passable, not clear. During a storm, our main focus is on treating the main roads.”
“After these roads become clear, we redirect resources to less-used roads. PennDOT crews will treat all state-owned roads.”
They have a lot of manpower, with more than 200 plow trucks in District 5, Brown said.
“We employ a small number of drivers and trucks, with drivers working 12-hour shifts,” he said. “If circumstances warrant, all of our counties have the ability to bring in contractors to provide additional assistance.”
Brown said the roads were “covered with snow.” “And again, our goal is to keep the roads passable.”
“Avoid traveling if possible, and give our trucks time to do their work,” he said. “If you have to travel, give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Make sure your car is prepared for the storm and prepared if you become disabled in the snow with a winter emergency kit.
Aftermath
These conditions are perfect for Blue Mountain Resort, which will be holding a heart-warming, heart-warming Valentine's Day snow tubing event from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
The slopes will be sparkling with red, pink and purple holiday lights, and snow tubers will enjoy slipping and sliding to the music at one of the largest and fastest snow tubing parks in the country.
Wednesday looks to be a pretty good day, with temperatures in the mid-30s, Kenes said. But the breeze blowing tomorrow won't make it feel like the mid 30s.
“I think by February standards, tomorrow is a pretty good day,” he said. “Then tomorrow will be a very cold night, with temperatures in the teens; it wouldn't shock me if some cold spots reach the single digits tomorrow night.”
Another system will impact our area Thursday evening and Thursday, though most of the rain will pass to the north, but still, there could be a rain shower or two throughout the day, Kennis said.
He said temperatures on Thursday should reach the mid-30s, with a dry day on Friday with temperatures likely in the upper 30s.
Namaste on this snowy morning off Fireline Road in Palmerton. Lane Shop / Photography by Lane
Heavy snowfall late Monday into early Tuesday startled some local meteorologists and covered our area in white. Carbon and Schuylkill counties were among the hardest hit. Jim Thorpe and Nesquehoning reported 13 inches. Hometown and Tamaqua received about one foot. This was the scene early Tuesday at Tamaqua Depot Square Park. Donald R. Serfas/Special to The Times News
Esmae and Avaya Boyer of New Ringgold enjoy their day in the snow. SKYLAR CLOUSER contributed photo
Jerusalem Lutheran Church and UCC Jerusalem Church in Trachsville surrounded by snow. John Mueller contributed photo
View of the mountains in Brodheadsville. Erica Dobler contributed photo
Will Schwab of Mahoning Township wasn't the only one measuring the rapid snowfall Tuesday morning. Contributed photo
Snow covers the east side of Jim Thorpe Tuesday morning. James Logue/Special to The Times News
Winter wonderland at Palmerton Park. Image contributed by Stuart Henrizzi
A 1-year-old Bordernesian baby, Stjer, plays on a trampoline filled with snow. Image contributed by Magen Gorski
Danielle's dog, Kaya, is ready to help. Contributed photo
Brothers Mark, Matthew and Max Dimato enjoy heavy snowfall on Summit Hill. Image contributed by Trish Dimato
Deer enjoy a day in the snow at Betty and Harry Hahn's yard, off Summer Mountain Road in Towamensing Township. Contributed photo
Snow is falling everywhere at the Carbon County Animal Shelter in Nesquehoning. Tom Connors contributed photo