Allentown, PA – January 24, 2026 – Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel has issued the following update as a major winter storm is expected to significantly impact the Lehigh Valley beginning early Sunday morning. Dangerous travel conditions and prolonged cold temperatures are anticipated. County, municipal, and community partners are actively coordinating to ensure continuous warming services, emergency response readiness, and clear communication throughout the storm.
WINTER STORM IMPACTS
The Lehigh Valley is expecting snowfall rates of 1–2 inches per hour, beginning at approximately 3:00 AM Sunday and continuing through Monday morning. Conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, which may limit travel and emergency response capabilities.
ROADWAY CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
- PennDOT has issued Class 4 commercial vehicle restrictions for Route 22 and Route 78, effective 12:01 AM on January 25, 2026.
- Residents are strongly advised to stay off the roads during the storm.
- Local municipalities are requesting that travel be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
LANTA will continue providing public transportation services until snowfall begins. Riders are encouraged to plan travel early and reach warming locations or safe destinations before conditions deteriorate, as service may be reduced or suspended once the storm intensifies.
EMERGENCY COORDINATION AND MONITORING
Lehigh County Emergency Management (EM) will be holding Storm Coordination calls with Local Emergency Management Coordinators and partner agencies throughout the storm, beginning Saturday and continuing through Monday.
Utility providers will also participate in these calls and will provide updates should outages occur anywhere in the county. If there is a spike in power outages or another emergency, such as a large fire, Lehigh County EM will work with local coordinators to identify and open additional warming centers or shelters as needed.
- Locations will be determined based on the impacted area, facility availability, and power status.
- Municipalities have pre-determined emergency locations for these situations.
Ripple Community, INC.
To ensure uninterrupted access to warming services, Ripple Community Inc. will remain open on Saturday until 5:00 PM, allowing individuals to transition directly into overnight shelter without any gap in care as conditions worsen. The address for Ripple is 1335 W. Linden St. Allentown.
Warming Shelter Information
A Warming Shelter will be available at:
The Allentown Branch of River Crossing YMCA 425 S. 15th Street, Allentown
Hours of Operation
Saturday, January 24 at 5:00 PM
through
Monday, January 26 at 12:00 PM Intake Hours:
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Monday: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Amenities available during service hours include:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- A safe, warm bed
- Access to showers
- A welcoming community space for rest, connection, and support
Individuals needing shelter are strongly encouraged to arrive before the storm begins, as rescue and transportation efforts may be severely limited once snowfall intensifies.
ALLENTOWN RESCUE MISSION SHELTER FOR ADULT MEN
Allentown Rescue Mission (https://www.allentownrescuemission.org/) will be open all day Saturday and Sunday during the storm.
- The shelter is only available to males 18 years and older.
- Provides a safe, warm bed and meals during hours of operation.
This service complements other warming shelters to ensure vulnerable populations have access to safe spaces throughout the storm.
ANIMAL SHELTERING FOR UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS
The Lehigh Valley Humane Society and Vet Clinic (LVHS) has partnered with CART to provide temporary emergency sheltering for animals belonging to unhoused individuals during the storm.
- Up to 12 animals will be housed from Saturday at 6:00 PM through Tuesday at 9:00 AM.
- Animals will be housed in a mobile shelter provided by CART on the LVHS property.
- LVHS staff will provide all care for animals while they are housed on site.
- A LVHS representative will be at the Allentown YMCA on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM to complete registration and intake.
- Animals will be transported to LVHS by shelter staff.
- Owners are responsible for picking up their animals no later than 9:00 AM on Tuesday.
- This service is available only to unhoused individuals.
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If situations arise where families with children may need assistance, please encourage them to contact Lehigh County Children and Youth directly.
Referrals should be made through the 24/7 ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313
Families may self-refer for support through this number at any time.
UTILITIES AND POWER UPDATES
At this time, widespread power outages are not expected; however, residents should be prepared.
- FirstEnergy customers should report outages by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487), or using the “Report Outage” feature on FirstEnergy’s website. https://www.firstenergycorp.com/
- PPL customers should report outages by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775) or using the “Report or Check Outage” feature on PPL’s website. https://www.pplelectric.com/site/Outages-and-Issues.
PPL and Met-Ed will continue updating their websites with information on outages and any additional warming facilities.
RESIDENTS SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS
The Lehigh County Emergency Management team urges residents to prepare for hazardous winter conditions:
- Assemble an emergency kit that can last at least one week.
Keep phones and devices charged.
- Avoid parking under trees.
- Bring pets indoors.
- Avoid travel during and after the storm.
- Dress in layers if outdoors.
- Never use grills or unsafe heating devices indoors.
- Use generators outdoors only.
- Seek safe shelter if power loss or special needs are a concern.
- Check on neighbors, especially those who are vulnerable.
Residents should follow instructions from state and local officials and monitor local radio and television stations for updates.
In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Information provided to TVL by:
LEHIGH COUNTY
