Winter’s first significant snowfall has swept through Northeast Pennsylvania, leaving behind a wintry landscape and plunging temperatures. As residents dig out from the snow, they must brace for a wave of intense cold expected to grip the region in the coming days.
Following the storm that blanketed areas from Pennsylvania to Maine, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced around 6 p.m. the lifting of all travel restrictions previously imposed, including speed limits and commercial vehicle lane restrictions. Despite the cleared paths, PennDOT crews remain active, treating roadways to ensure safe travel.
Snowfall Totals Reported
According to the National Weather Service, snow accumulation ranged from 3 to 8 inches across various counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Some notable measurements include:
Bradford County
● Sayre: 3.8 inches by noon
Lackawanna County
● Springbrook Corner: 7 inches by 1 p.m.
● Taylor: 4.2 inches by 2:15 p.m.
● Clarks Summit: 3.5 inches by 11 a.m.
Luzerne County
● Edwardsville: 5.3 inches by 12:49 p.m.
● Dallas: 5 inches by 12:25 p.m.
● Pittston: 4 inches by noon
Pike County
● Rowland: 6 inches by 12:30 p.m.
Susquehanna County
● Forest City: 4.8 inches by 2 p.m.
Wayne County
● Damascus: 8 inches by 3:45 p.m.
● Honesdale: 4.5 inches by noon
Wyoming County
● Falls: 5 inches by 3 p.m.
Frigid Temperatures and ‘Code Blue’ Alerts
As the region clears from the snowstorm, a cold front is predicted to bring temperatures plunging into the teens or even single digits, factoring in wind chills. This has prompted local authorities to issue “Code Blue” alerts to protect vulnerable populations from the harsh conditions.
Lackawanna County
The Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, along with the City of Scranton, has extended its Code Blue Frigid Weather Alert throughout the weekend, with specific times set to manage the expected chilly conditions:
● 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 to 7 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 (wind chill 17 degrees)
● 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 to 7 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 (wind chill 19 degrees)
● 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 to 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 (wind chill 5 degrees)
● 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 (wind chill 16 degrees)
● 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 to 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 (wind chill 16 degrees)
● 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 to 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8 (wind chill 8 degrees)
Luzerne County
Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown has also declared a Code Blue from Tuesday through Saturday. The city’s Public Square will display blue stage lights as a visual indication of the alert. Calvary Bible Church, located at 410 South River Street, will operate as the designated Code Blue shelter, open during the following hours:
● Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. to Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 a.m.
● Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. to Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 a.m.
● Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. to Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 a.m.
● Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. to Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 a.m.
● Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. to Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7 a.m.
For those interested in volunteering at the shelter, contact Pastor Sam Garnett at 570-824-5868 or via email at samuelplymouth@aol.com.
