Ice created by days of subfreezing temperatures (Wednesday’s low recorded at Lehigh Valley International Airport was 2) has created a dome atop the fountain in Hellertown’s Detwiller Plaza.
Some of the coldest air to be felt in the Saucon Valley in recent years is moving into the area, as a storm system that dropped a couple inches of powdery snow departs north and east.
In fact, it will be so cold that the National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory for the area that will be in effect from 1 a.m. Friday through noon on Saturday.
“Expect wind chills to range from 5 below zero to 20 below zero Friday night into early Saturday,” the NWS said in a statement accompanying the advisory. “The cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin.”
Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow, especially Friday, and could make travel difficult, the NWS warned.
Saucon Valley and local Catholic schools were closed due to the snowy weather Thursday, and it is possible they will be delayed or closed again Friday, when the high temperature is forecast to reach just 12 degrees.
Saturday is forecast to be even colder, with a high of 9 and a low of -5.
Due to the forecast frigid weather, it was announced Thursday that the Saucon Valley Compost Center at 2011 Springtown Hill Road, Hellertown, will be closed Saturday. It had been scheduled to be open for Christmas tree drop-offs. It will be open on Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27.
A local Boy Scout troop, Troop 311, is collecting Christmas trees curbside in Hellertown borough and Lower Saucon Township for disposal.
Trees will be picked up on Saturday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 13.
There is $5 requested donation ($4 for seniors), which should be placed in an envelope by one’s door.
Proceeds will benefit the Boy Scouts.
Please call 484-893-0018 to schedule a pickup and for more information.
Stay with Saucon Source for updates on this developing winter weather event. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter.
