Churches in the area are starting to cancel Mass for the evening to keep residents safe.

Saint Joseph Church in Summit Hill has canceled 4 p.m. Mass today.

Confessions and 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. John XXIII in Tamaqua are canceled today due to the state of emergency.

Earlier today, Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Allentown, released the following statement:

"In light of the worsening weather conditions and the National Weather Service's posting of a blizzard warning for most of the area, the obligation of Catholics to attend Mass is lifted this weekend. No one is obliged under current weather conditions to put themselves or others at risk to attend Mass this weekend. I ask everyone to pray for the safety of snow removal crews, first responders and all those who must work because of or in spite of the severe weather."