Community Corner

Baby, It's Cold Outside

The snow gave way to chilly temperatures Friday as road crews and Emmaus area residents cleared snow from streets and sidewalks.

With the sun shining, temperatures were expected to reach a high of 18 degrees in the Lehigh Valley, and 20 degrees in Bucks and Montgomery counties but it will feel like 11 degrees below zero because of the wind chill, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts could reach 33 mph.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission lifted the 45 mph speed limit restriction on the entire Turnpike, including the Northeastern Extension, at 10 a.m. Friday. However, the turnpike commission cautioned motorists to keep alert for changing weather conditions and to remember to remove all snow and ice from vehicles before hitting the highway.

Find out what's happening in Emmauswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In case of an accident, breakdown or other emergency, the turnpike advises:

  • Motorists can utilize the yellow emergency call boxes on the shoulder of the turnpike or dial *11 or 1-800-332-3880 to receive help. 
  • Be prepared to give your milepost location and direction of travel, plus move any vehicles out of the travel lanes if possible.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also lifted the speed limit restrictions on most roadways in east central Pennsylvania. The exceptions are Interstate 80 in Carbon and Monroe counties, Interstate 380 in Monroe County and Route 33 in Monroe and Northampton counties. The speed limit will remain lowered to 45 mph on those three routes because they are still covered with snow or slush.

PennDOT is continuing to treat roadways in the area.

What will the weather be like this weekend?

The National Weather Service said Saturday will be sunny with a high near 24 in the Lehigh Valley, but the wind chill will make if feel more like -1 degrees. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 27 degrees in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Snow is likely again Sunday before 2 p.m., following by rain after 3 p.m. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high near 36 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

Find out what's happening in Emmauswith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Emmaus