A crippling blizzard dumped over a foot or more of snow throughout most parts of the region Sunday.

In the aftermath of the mammoth storm, homeowners and others are now faced with the challenge of where to go with it all.

Generally speaking, between 14 to 17 inches of snow fell across Carbon County, according to Adam Douty, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather.

“It started early Sunday, with the heaviest snow from about 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., with 1 to 2 inches per hour at times,” Douty said.

The National Weather Service said 16.8 inches fell in Saylorsburg, 16.7 in Lower Towamensing Township, 16.5 in Brodheadsville, 16.1 in Danielsville, 15.5 in Effort, 14.2 in Germansville, 14.1 in Jim Thorpe, 14 in Weatherly, and 12.5 in New Tripoli.

Douty said that while most of the major highways like the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 476 and Route 81 appear to be in decent shape, secondary roads were still being worked on Monday.

“It’s so cold, high teens, salt struggles to work in those temperatures,” he said. “It may not do a really good job of cleaning things up at this point.”

Douty said the wind is expected to pick up later today, and with how dry and fluffy the snow is, there will be drifting.

“The running theme is it’s going to be cold,” he said. “Today may be the warmest day of the entire week, with a high of 23, and a low down to 2.”

Tuesday through Saturday, Douty said highs are expected to be in the middle to upper teens, and added each night lows will be down close to zero, if not below zero.

“An impressively cold stretch,” he said. “This week nothing significant, at least through the weekend, it doesn’t look like much of any accumulation.”

However, Douty cautioned there is the potential for a storm developing along the East Coast this weekend, perhaps even a Nor’easter.

“Either way there is the potential for Saturday into Sunday,” he said. “With temperatures the way they are, it’s more likely going to be snow.”

Many businesses closed

The storm caused several traffic mishaps along the way.

Palmerton had a crash early Sunday morning on Mauch Chunk Road. Throughout the day, volunteers worked together to clear out for the ambulance and fire department.

A PennDOT truck rolled in Heidelberg Township.

Many stores closed in the area, including the ShopRite and Pleasant Valley Ace in Brodheadsville.

Papa Al’s in Palmerton posted on their Facebook page they had pizza kits to buy on Saturday for the game on Sunday.

Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton posted on Facebook that it closed on Sunday for the safety of its guests, team members, local first responders and surrounding community in an effort to stop roadway travel to the resort as recommended by state officials.

“To give our guests and employees ample time to safely travel to the resort on Monday, we will be opening at noon,” the post states, adding that parking lots will open at 11 a.m.

“If you purchased a ticket for Sunday, you will receive a full refund to your original payment,” the post states. “If you purchased a four-hour morning ticket for Monday, your ticket will be valid starting at noon.

“Our mountain operations team will be hard at work throughout the storm clearing parking lots, walkways, and lifts so we can open safely — and in prime condition for you. We know it’s not easy to wait, but the powder will be worth the pause.”

Blue Mountain added it will be leaving many of its trails ungroomed for Monday.

Carbon Transit Services canceled for Monday.

Schuylkill County and Carbon County offices were closed, as were Nesquehoning and other offices.

Cleanup efforts remain underway

Sean Brown, PennDOT spokesperson, said as of 7:30 a.m. cleanup efforts were going well.

“Crews have been putting in many shifts, but they are getting the job done,” Brown said. “During the height of the storm, interstate and expressways receive increased attention, but all state roadway are getting plowed.”

Brown added, “Now that the storm has passed we are able to clear all our roadways. The cleanup is ongoing.

“We will have folks out there until all state roadways are clear,” he said. “With a heavy storm like this, we have a full complement of drivers and we call in rental truck to assist with the storm.”

Brown explained how travel conditions were as of this morning.

“Conditions are improving, but motorists should be aware conditions are not 100% (we still have restrictions on our interstate and expressways) and should avoid travel if at all possible,” he said. “If you do need to travel, make sure you are prepared and you do so safely.”

Trooper Anthony Petroski, community services officer for Troop N, explained that Pennsylvania State police handled this storm by having the proper amount of troopers working, allowing them to not be overwhelmed by the incoming calls.

“Although the public did a great job staying off the roads, numerous disabled vehicles occurred and were handled swiftly by troopers,” Petroski said. “Thankfully, there were no major crashes that occurred.”

Storm proves deadly

The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensics Center has reported that three deaths occurred Sunday in association with snow shoveling and snow removal activity.

The decedents ranged in age from 60 to 84 years old. In each case, the people were reportedly engaged in snow shoveling or snow cleanup efforts before experiencing a medical emergency, according to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.

Following investigation, Buglio said the manner of death in all three cases has been ruled natural.

“I remind the public to use caution when shoveling snow, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and seek assistance when possible, especially individuals with a history of heart disease or other medial concerns,” Buglio said.

Out of respect to the families, no additional information is being released at this time, Buglio said.