Winter Weather Alert: Freezing Rain and Ice Expected in Allentown, Pennsylvania

As winter weather makes its way toward the Lehigh Valley, public works crews are gearing up for a night of hard work to ensure the safety of local roads. The region has been placed under a Winter Weather Advisory, with a mix of rain, freezing rain, and ice expected to create hazardous conditions.

Road Crews Get Ready for Icy Conditions

At the City of Allentown Public Works maintenance yard, crews worked late into the night, loading trucks with salt and putting chains on tires to prepare for the storm. Justin DeLong, the chief maintenance supervisor for Allentown’s Streets Department, emphasized the importance of readiness.

“This winter has been light for us right now, but at any given time, that can change,” DeLong said. As the weather worsens, over a dozen trucks filled with salt will be dispatched overnight to treat the roads and monitor conditions throughout the area.

Black Ice Poses Serious Risk

Despite the preparations, officials warn that even if roads appear to be wet, they could be dangerously slick. Ron Young, a spokesperson for PennDOT District 5, advised drivers to be particularly cautious.

“There probably are going to be areas where it may look wet, but it has that thin film of ice that people refer to as black ice that could be very dangerous,” Young said.

PennDOT and Turnpike Crews Ready for Action

Starting at midnight, PennDOT District 5, which covers Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties, will be out in full force treating roads until the icy conditions subside. Drivers are urged to stay at least six car lengths behind PennDOT trucks and avoid attempting to pass them.

For the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a spokesperson reported that over 425 pieces of equipment and more than 450 operators are on standby across the entire system, ready to address the storm as it hits.

Stay Safe: Limit Travel if Possible

The message from all agencies involved is clear: stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary. As the advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Saturday, drivers are urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

With the forecast calling for freezing rain and icy conditions, it’s important for all motorists to be prepared and exercise extra care on the roads over the coming hours.