Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Sleet, Freezing Rain and Snow

Although it’s been weeks since the mercury in the Lehigh Valley has dropped much below freezing–and recent record highs have made it feel more like October than December–the National Weather Service says residents should prepare for the first significant frozen precipitation of the season Monday night and early Tuesday.

The NWS Sunday issued a winter weather advisory for Northampton and Lehigh counties for sleet, freezing rain and snow, which will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday until 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Snow and sleet could accumulate up to an inch along with a trace of ice, NWS said.

“Mixed precipitation (will begin) sometime between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Monday and may briefly change to all snow or sleet around midnight before changing to freezing rain and then rain between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.,” the statement said.

Temperatures are forecast to fall to around or slightly below freezing before rising above freezing around daybreak.

According to NWS criteria, “a winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties.” Motorists should “be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.”