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Lehigh Valley Reels from Historic Blizzard

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 0:54 GMT by Morning Call PA
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

Allentown, PA - February 24th, 2026 - The Lehigh Valley is reeling from the impact of a historic blizzard that blanketed the region in over a foot of snow, causing widespread disruption to travel, education, and daily life. As of Tuesday morning, the region remains under a state of emergency, with officials urging residents to stay home and avoid all unnecessary travel. The storm, which began late Sunday and intensified throughout Monday, has left a trail of school closures, power outages, and hazardous road conditions.

A Region Paralyzed: The snowfall, exceeding projections in many areas, brought transportation to a near standstill. PennDOT crews worked tirelessly throughout the night and continue to do so, but many secondary roads remain impassable. Major highways, including portions of Interstate 78 and Route 22, experienced significant delays and closures. The Pennsylvania Turnpike implemented speed restrictions as early as Monday afternoon, and several accidents were reported, though thankfully, no fatalities have been confirmed at this time. Local police departments report responding to dozens of vehicles stranded in the snow, requiring assistance from towing services and emergency responders.

Schools and Businesses Shut Down: All public and private schools in Lehigh and Northampton counties remained closed today, Tuesday, February 24th, and officials have yet to announce a firm date for reopening. Extracurricular activities have been canceled, and many businesses have opted to close or allow employees to work remotely. The economic impact of the prolonged shutdown is expected to be substantial, particularly for local retailers and service providers. Concerns are also mounting about the logistics of rescheduling events and making up lost instructional time.

Power Grid Strained: The weight of the heavy, wet snow proved too much for many power lines, resulting in widespread outages across the Lehigh Valley. Utility companies, including PPL Electric Utilities and UGI Utilities, report over 60,000 customers without power as of this morning. Crews are actively working to restore service, but progress is hampered by the ongoing hazardous conditions and the sheer number of affected customers. Officials are warning residents that some areas may experience prolonged outages, potentially lasting several days. Warming shelters have been opened in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton for those without heat.

Emergency Services Overwhelmed: Emergency services have been inundated with calls related to the storm, ranging from medical emergencies to reports of stranded motorists. First responders are facing challenging conditions as they navigate snow-covered roads and respond to emergencies. The Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate response efforts and provide support to local municipalities. Residents are urged to conserve phone lines for emergency calls and to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may require assistance.

Lingering Cold and Future Concerns: While the snowfall is expected to taper off completely later today, the region is bracing for bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills. A wind chill advisory remains in effect until Wednesday morning, with temperatures potentially dropping below zero. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to these conditions can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.

The sheer magnitude of this storm has prompted discussions about infrastructure resilience and preparedness for future extreme weather events. Local officials are considering investments in snow removal equipment, power grid upgrades, and improved emergency communication systems. There's also a growing call for a comprehensive review of winter weather preparedness plans to ensure the Lehigh Valley is better equipped to handle similar crises in the future. The Morning Call will continue to provide up-to-the-minute coverage of the storm's aftermath and recovery efforts. Residents are encouraged to visit [ https://www.lehighcounty.org/emergency-management ] for official updates and resources.