Extreme Cold Warning Issued for Area

The past few weeks have been unusually cold in the Saucon Valley and throughout eastern Pennsylvania. That trend will continue through the weekend, when forecasters says wind chills could drop to dangerously low levels more suitable for penguins than people.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Lehigh and Northampton counties as well as surrounding areas for wind chills as low as -20 degrees from 6 a.m. Saturday until noon on Sunday. A wind advisory for sustained northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 55 mph has also been issued for the Lehigh Valley area.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” said the NWS, which advised residents to secure any items that could become airborne. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”

“The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 degrees below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes,” the warning statement added.

Officials said anyone who planning to be outside Saturday should dress in layers and protect their skin by donning a hat, face mask and gloves. Anyone planning to drive should also exercise caution, as the winds may make vehicles harder to control.

Individuals who need assistance with heating are advised to call 211 for information about shelters that may be available.

Saturday’s forecast high temperature is just 11 degrees.

Overnight low temperatures have generally been well below normal since late January, with official readings at Lehigh Valley International Airport registering below zero several times recently. This weekend’s forecast low temperatures of 2 to 3 degrees won’t be quite as cold, but in combination with the strong winds, meteorologists say they will pose a greater danger.

Before the windy, bitterly cold conditions take hold across the area, the Lehigh Valley is seeing a bit of light snow. Flakes began falling in the afternoon, and according to the latest forecasts up to an inch-and-a-half of accumulation is possible.

Temperatures are expected to moderate somewwhat by the middle of next week, with highs in the mid 30s starting Tuesday. If that happens, it will be the first time the mercury has risen above freezing at LVIA in almost three weeks.