Area Digs Out from Biggest Snowstorm in 5 Years

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Giant supermarket on Rt. 412 in Lower Saucon Township was a popular destination for residents who were out and about late Monday afternoon. For most people the first part of the day was dedicated to removing about a foot of snow from their sidewalks, driveways and vehicles.

The Saucon Valley and surrounding areas are continuing to dig out from the biggest snowstorm to affect east central Pennsylvania since the storm of Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2021, which dumped more than two feet of snow on the region five years ago.

Much of the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area saw close to a foot of frozen precipitation on Sunday. Schools were closed throughout the region Monday and snow emergencies remained in effect in most municipalities, including the Borough of Hellertown. Borough officials said the snow emergency there would remain in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday to give public works crews time for additional snow clearing. All along Main Street walls of compacted snow separated the road from sidewalks.

Snow piles frame the setting sun along Broadway in Fountain Hill late Monday afternoon. The borough was snowed under by the biggest winter storm to affect the area in five years.

Officially, 11.8 inches of snow and sleet was measured at Lehigh Valley International Airport near Allentown in the wake of Sunday’s storm. According to the National Weather Service, that amount was record-setting, as it topped the old Jan. 25 record of 10.4 inches set in 1988 at the airport. Snowfall records for the Allentown area date back to 1912.

Other locations that reported impressive snowstorm totals to the National Weather Service included:

Hellertown: 10.3 inches
Williams Township: 11 inches
Salisbury Township: 10.6 inches
Bethlehem Township: 10 inches
Easton: 11.8 inches
Emmaus: 13.3 inches
Hilltown Township: 10 inches
Souderton: 10.3 inches

Many locations throughout the Poconos and northern parts of the Lehigh Valley reported higher snow totals because less sleet mixed with the snow there. Locally, a thick layer of the icy pellets made shoveling Sunday’s snow more physically demanding than shoveling snow alone, and safety officials warned area residents to be cautious if they planned to shovel.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio said Monday that he had already attributed three natural deaths to snow removal-related medical emergencies. Buglio’s news release indicated that the deceased individuals ranged in age from 60 to 84 years old.

“These incidents are consistent with sudden medical events, often cardiac-related, that can occur during strenuous activity such as snow removal, particularly in older adults or those with underlying health conditions,” he said. “I remind the public to use caution when shoveling snow, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion and seek assistance when possible–especially individuals with a history of heart disease or other medical concerns.” (Note: See below for shoveling safety tips.)

Hellertown Snow — Two vehicles travel east on W. Water Street in Hellertown around 5 p.m. Monday, when normally the street would be clogged with rush hour traffic. Many workers and most schoolchildren stayed home in the aftermath of Sunday’s storm.

Many businesses opened late or not at all on Monday due to the snowstorm. By Monday evening, major roads such as Rt. 378 in Lower Saucon Township, Main Street in Hellertown and Broadway in Fountain Hill were clear down to blacktop, but most side streets and alleys remained snow-covered and icy. Rush hour traffic was very light around the area, due to the fact that so many people stayed home from work and school. Saucon Valley students will return to class on Tuesday, the district announced, but on a two-hour delay.

Above, a dog-walker traverses the 600 block of Main Street in Hellertown Monday. Most sidewalks had been shoveled and Main Street was down to blacktop, but pedestrian and vehicular traffic were unusually light in the wake of the snowstorm.

“Saucon Valley extends sincere appreciation to custodial staff and maintenance crews who worked hard to ensure the campus could reopen and that athletics and activities could resume,” district officials said in an email Monday night. “Please be patient, as buses may need more travel time in the morning.”

Several local board meetings were canceled Monday night, including a Lower Saucon Township zoning hearing board meeting and a Saucon Rail Trail Oversight Commission meeting. Other meetings were still being held, but only online.

The entrance to the Lower Saucon Township muncipal building was partially concealed by large snowpiles lining the parking lot next to it.

Although the snow has stopped, little melting is expected to occur this week due to frigid conditions that are forecast at least through the weekend. A cold weather advisory is in effect for Lehigh and Northampton counties from 7 p.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday for wind chills as low as -10 and it is possible that additional advisories will be issued as the week progresses.

According to the current NWS forecast for the Allentown area, highs will generally be in the mid to upper teens and lows will be around 0 through this Saturday; temperatures that are approximately 20 degrees below normal for this time of year.

In some urban neighborhoods, chairs were being used to save parking spaces that had been dug out. Although illegal, the practice is commonplace following large snowstorms. Pictured above is the 1000 block of Cherokee Street in Fountain Hill.

Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

1. Warm Up First
Treat shoveling like exercise. Stretch your arms, legs and back for a few minutes before heading outside to prevent muscle strain.

2. Dress in Layers
Wear breathable, layered clothing to stay warm but avoid overheating, including waterproof gloves and boots with good traction.

3. Use the Right Shovel
Choose a lightweight, ergonomic shovel with a curved handle to reduce back strain. A smaller blade helps prevent lifting too much snow at once.

4. Push, Don’t Lift
Whenever possible, push the snow to the side instead of lifting it. If you must lift, bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back.

5. Take Frequent Breaks
Shoveling is strenuous. Try to rest every 10 to 15 minutes, especially if the snow is heavy or wet.

6. Stay Hydrated
Cold weather can mask dehydration. Drink water before and after shoveling.

7. Watch for Ice
Watch out for hidden ice under the snow. Sprinkle sand or salt on it to improve traction.

8. Avoid Overexertion
If you feel dizzy, short of breath or experience chest pain, stop immediately and seek help. Snow shoveling can put added strain the heart, especially in cold weather, when blood vessels naturally constrict. Individuals with heart disease should not shovel snow at all.

9. Clear Early and Often
It’s easier to remove several inches of snow multiple times than to tackle a deep, compacted layer all at once. If you must do that, take smaller, more frequent scoops rather than large scoop-fuls of snow to reduce the amount of strain on your body.

10. Protect Your Back and Shoulders
Alternate hands and change your stance periodically to avoid repetitive strain on one side of your body.