A blanket of snow has finally stopped falling, providing a momentary reprieve for Northeast Pennsylvania residents who are now dealing with the aftermath of Sunday’s significant winter storm. However, the region isn’t out of the woods yet as frigid temperatures are set to take hold, complicating cleanup efforts.
With temperatures expected to plummet, Monday’s highs in the 20s will soon feel mild by comparison. The National Weather Service Binghamton, N.Y. office warns of extreme cold with negative wind chills beginning Monday night, and a cold weather advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Upcoming Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Binghamton, N.Y. office
● Monday night into Tuesday: While light snow and flurries may linger, the focus will be on the chill, with lows around 3 degrees and wind chills potentially reaching -10 or lower.
● Tuesday-Friday: Expect a combination of partial sun and clouds, with highs in the teens and lows in the single digits or slightly below zero.
● Saturday-Sunday: Temperatures might edge back into the 20s, with nighttime lows in the single digits.
● Potential for more snow? While the NWS Binghamton forecast currently shows no significant precipitation through Sunday, forecasts from The Weather Channel suggest another snowstorm could be possible next weekend.
For safety tips regarding ongoing winter hazards, including the extreme cold, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s dedicated page.
HOW MUCH FELL?
National Weather Service records indicate snowfall in Northeast Pennsylvania ranged from 7 to 20 inches, with most areas receiving between 10 and 15 inches.
Significant accumulations were seen in places like Hawley in Wayne County (20″), Rowland in Pike County (20″), and in Luzerne County’s Edwardsville (17.3″), Freeland (17″), and Drums (16″).
Monday’s Opportunities
Thanks to closures of schools, various businesses, and government offices, Monday provided an opportunity not just for snow removal but also for enjoying winter activities. At Hillside Park in South Abington Township, Lackawanna County, a group of volunteers worked diligently to clear snow and reveal the ice beneath.
Lake Eston Wilson saw up to 18 inches of snow covering its surface, turning the popular winter ice rink into a snow-covered expanse.
Sarah Hofius Hall
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WVIA News
“What the snow will do is, even though this is a light, fluffy snow, it still weighs quite a bit on the ice sheet, and it’ll force water up through the cracks in the ice,” volunteer Chris Kane remarked. “In certain parts it’ll form a slushy surface. But we’re trying our best to get those smoothed out so then they’ll freeze overnight and be ready for skating.”
The cold December allowed for skating before the holidays, which is uncommon, and the ice has been accessible most days since. Volunteers utilized snowblowers, shovels, and a four-wheeler to clear the 8-inch ice layer beneath the snow.
“This season has been absolutely fantastic,” Kane, one of the “Ice Men” volunteers, stated. “The reason we keep doing it is because people keep coming out to skate. So as long as people keep coming out to skate, we’ll keep doing it.”
For further details, visit Hillside Park’s Facebook page.
Resuming Normalcy
As Monday continued, various aspects of daily life began to return to normal.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has lifted speed limits and right-lane-only restrictions for commercial vehicles that were previously enforced on multiple roadways in the area.
“PennDOT is still treating roadways in the area and will continue until roads are clear,” an official statement confirmed.
Luzerne County announced a reopening of all county offices on Tuesday, with other neighboring counties likely to follow suit.
As always, it’s advisable to verify conditions before venturing out for work or other activities on Tuesday.
