Evening freezing rain possible Friday

PennDOT issues highway restrictions

After bidding adieu to New Year’s Eve on a chilly but relatively calm note, 2021 will begin where much of 2020 left off — with storms and wet weather.

The first storm of the year comes Friday, and with it the possibility of freezing rain or sleet in parts of the Lehigh Valley. Though it won’t last long, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling anywhere—especially if you operate a commercial vehicle, because PennDOT will issue restrictions on highways Friday.

The storm is progressing slower than previously thought. Whereas meteorologists once predicted precipitation to arrive around midday, it’s now expected to move through during the late afternoon and early evening hours.

The later arrival removes widespread icing risk for southeastern Pennsylvania and central New Jersey, said meteorologist Doug Simonian of Empire Weather Consulting.

Portions of the Lehigh Valley may see some freezing rain Friday night, with chances between 10% and 40%, and the greater likelihood of ice occurring northward, according to the National Weather Service. Only the Poconos and the northern tip of New Jersey, however, are expected to see ice accumulation of at least a tenth of an inch. In these areas — Carbon, Monroe and Sussex counties — the weather service has issued a winter weather advisory.

The weather service said this “light intensity” freezing rain could last several hours before temperatures finally notch above freezing toward the middle of Friday night, when a warm front is expected to move in.

Forecasters are not concerned about flooding, as they’re only expecting about a half inch to an inch of precipitation with the system. And if there is slickness on the roads in the early afternoon, the changeover to steady rain, combined with rising temperatures, will wash it away, Simonian said.

However, PennDOT is urging drivers to avoid all unnecessary travel during the storm.

Commercial vehicle restrictions begin at 10 a.m. on Interstate 99, at noon on I-80, and at 2 p.m. on the following roads:

„ I-81 north of I-80. „ The entire length of I-84.

„ The entire length of I-380.

The restrictions on I-81, I-84 and I-380 include all commercial vehicles, as well as school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes, and passenger vehicles towing trailers.

Onall of the roads, speed limits will be 45 mphwhile restrictions are in place. Further restrictions and updates will be communicated via www.511PA.com.

Rain should continue for most of the night, with the possibility of a shower or two lingering into Saturday, Simonian said.

Otherwise, Saturday offers a break: a dry and relatively warm day in the 50s.