About a foot of snow, if not more, is expected to blanket the region due to the winter storm that is forecast to hit Sunday into Monday morning.

Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, said that the area can expect probably around a foot of dry, fluffy snow.

“I know nobody likes to shovel, but those that do, would much rather be shoveling the fluffy snow rather than the heavy stuff,” Kines said.

Kines cautioned that travel Sunday night is going to be pretty bad, adding, “If you don’t have to go out, stay put.”

“If you have things to do on Saturday, you’re fine,” he said. “If you got things to do on Sunday, you’re not going to be fine.”

Kines said that by sunrise on Sunday, it will be snowing, with the heaviest expected to drop down during the day, with 1 to 2 inches an hour at times.

He said the snow accumulation should be done by Monday morning, which then becomes cleanup time.

Kines said Saturday is going to be a cold day, as highs are only expected to be in the upper teens, with a low around 8.

He said Sunday’s high will also be only in the teens, with lows in the low teens.

Kines said Monday figures to be the warmest of the next several days, with highs in the lower 20s.

Then it’s back to the low teens for a high on Tuesday, with lows back down to single digits, he said.

Kines said highs are only expected to reach the teens again on Wednesday.

“Most of next week looks pretty cold,” he said.

PennDOT, police take extra steps

Ron Young, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesperson, said PennDOT workers are preparing for the pending storm by checking all trucks and other equipment, pretreating roads in areas as necessary (many roads still have salt residue from prior storms), and loading trucks with salt.

“PennDOT also monitors weather forecasts to gauge when to call crews into action,” Young said. “Especially in high-traffic areas, PennDOT may stage plows along major routes and interstates so they can quickly begin treating the roadway when precipitation begins.”

Likewise, Pennsylvania State Police are also taking the necessary precautions, according to Trooper Anthony Petroski, community services officer for Troop N.

“We plan on being out during the storm but stress to people if you don’t need to be out traveling, stay home,” Petroski said. “If you must travel, plan ahead, go slow, allow proper stopping distance and buckle up.”

Troop N Hazleton recommended:

• Reduce your travel during the storm and do not travel unless necessary.

• If you must travel, ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for travel by checking the vehicle’s tire pressure, tread, wipers, fuel amount and windshield washer fluid.

• Plan your route ahead of time, allow extra travel time, go slow, allow proper stopping distance and wear your seat belt.

• Carry an emergency kit with water, food, prescription medication (if prescribed), blankets and an extra phone charger in the event you become stopped in traffic for an extended period.

• During most winter storms, speed limits are reduced on major roadways. These speed reductions will be displayed on signboards throughout the state.

• Keep up to date with the weather and road conditions by visiting www.pa511.com.

Follow snow rules

Local boroughs are asking residents to refresh on parking and snow removal rules.

Palmerton Borough Mayor Bo Rodrigues said police will be ticketing vehicles that are in violation, and advised residents to plan ahead for any shoveling.

Rodrigues declared a snow emergency that goes into effect as of 10 p.m. Saturday until lifted. Parking is prohibited on Delaware Avenue and Mauch Chunk Road during that time.

Borough Manager Autumn Canfield said that garbage removal for the borough will be delayed one day, from Monday to Tuesday.

“The borough would also like to remind residents and business owners that sidewalks are required to be cleared of snow in specific amounts of time after a storm event,” Canfield said. “For the safety of the community, fire hydrants should also be cleared of snow.”

Canfield noted that the borough police department also plays a vital role in snow events, and added odd-even parking will be in effect, and that residents should adhere to the odd/even parking rules to avoid tickets.

“These parking regulations assist the borough crew to more effectively clear snow and are courteous to neighbors so piles of snow aren’t left in the street due to unmoved cars,” she said. “Please keep alleys clear and park in garages/off street if possible.”

Councilwoman Holly Hausman Sell said borough crews have been working hard, and that the coming storm isn’t about to do anyone any favors.

“If we get what they’re (anticipating), it’s going to be a long couple of days,” Hausman Sell said. “Their priority is getting and keeping our streets open.”

Which is why Hausman Sell said it’s essential for residents to cooperate.

“They do their best, and I think they do a good job,” she said. “Please be kind to them.”

Councilman Timothy Gursky Jr. said it’s important for residents to clean their sidewalks.

But Hausman Sell said, “Don’t put it back into the street,” she said. “That’s illegal.”

Councilman Kris Hoffner praised the borough’s Public Works Department for their cleanup of last weekend’s two-day snowfall event.

Canfield said, “The crew was out for extended hours to ensure the safety of our community. For the upcoming storm, we will have crews out around the clock on a rotating schedule.

“We ask the residents to be patient and understanding of their efforts,” Canfield said.

Visit the borough’s website or Facebook page for updates.

Lehighton Borough Manager Dane DeWire said the borough is hoping that the new truck will be available to aid the Public Works Department with spreading salt.

DeWire said he authorized the Public Works superintendent to contract with outside haulers to remove snow, should the borough run out of space to pile it along the street.

He said there will be no parking along the east side of First Street on Monday, and no parking along the west side of First Street on Tuesday in preparation for emergency snow removal.

“We are expected to send out all Public Works employees if needed on Sunday to combat the storm,” he said. “We also have two trucks in the Light & Power Department with plows on standby.”

DeWire added the borough has declared a snow emergency as of 9 p.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Monday.

The police department will be patrolling to ensure all vehicles are removed from posted snow emergency routes, which include parts of First, Second, Third, Ninth, North, South, Bankway, Bridge, Iron, Mahoning and Ochre streets. Any travel on those streets during the declared emergency will require snow tires, all-season tires or chains.

The east side of First Street has been posted as no-parking on Monday, and the west side First street has been posted as no-parking on Tuesday.

“Residents are reminded to clear sidewalks of all snow and ice within 48 hours after snowfall ceases,” he said. “For our town to remain walkable for everyone, especially schoolchildren, the elderly and our postal workers, we kindly ask that everyone do their part.”for