Travel issues may arise as the rain is expected to continue and temperatures start to drop below freezing, officials say.
So far, the much anticipated nor’easter expected to threaten Thanksgiving travel plans hasn’t made much of an impact in northwest New Jersey or the Lehigh Valley.
Despite rainy conditions, New Jersey State Police in Hunterdon and Warren counties reported no major issues this morning as holiday travelers start to hit the road for the holiday.
But that could change.
According to Frank Wheatley, emergency management coordinator for Warren County, issues may arise as the rain is expected to continue and temperatures start to drop below freezing.
“We’re hoping everyone is paying attention to the weather forecast and hopefully gets where they need to be before this ices over,” he said.
According to weather.com, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing between 9 and 10 tonight for much of northwest New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley.
Meanwhile, a flood watch remains in place in Hunterdon County and a flood advisory for the Lehigh Valley and Warren County, the National Weather Service says.
While no flooding issues have been reported in northwest New Jersey, the watch means there is a potential for flooding based on the current forecast, and those living in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action, according to the weather service.
As of 9:51 this morning, 1.86 inches of precipitation had been measured at Lehigh Valley International Airport since the storm began Tuesday morning, the weather service reports.
In Northampton County, flooding on Lehigh Drive has forced the road to close between 25th Street in Palmer Township and Glendon Hill Road in West Easton, according to township police.
So far, the biggest issue as the storm rolls through the Lehigh Valley has been storm drains choked with leaves, according to a Northampton County Communication dispatch supervisor.
Crews have been responding to clogged drains throughout the county to prevent any major floods, the supervisor said.
On Tuesday, Gary Poedubicky, acting director of New Jersey’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety, said motorists should practice caution before and during their trips.
That includes brushing off ice and snow should wintery conditions hit the region over the holiday.
“Ice and snow that shakes loose from car can become a dangerous projectile on the road for all motorists,” Poedubicky said in a statement. “Take those few minutes before you leave to remove all the snow from your car, especially from the hood, roof and windows.”