The region is expected to slow as the snow speeds up.
The snow is falling and expected to bring the region to a halt. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Power outage contacts
PPL Electric Utilities customers can check power restoration updates and other storm information at the company’s website at pplelectric.com and communicate directly with the company through social media, on Facebook at facebook.com/PPLElectric and Twitter via @PPLElectric. Outages can be reported by calling 800-342-5775.
Metropolitan Edison customers can visit firstenergycorp.com/met_edison.html for options on keeping apprised of outage conditions and call 888-544-4877 to report an outage.
In New Jersey, customers can report outages on JCP&L's website at firstenergycorp.com/jersey_central_power_light.html or by calling 888-544-4877. Residents can also track estimated restoration times on JCP&L's MyTown feature on the website.
Read more about how the utilities were preparing for the storm here.
Forecast
8:57 a.m.: Forecast stands: Lehigh Valley region should prepare for 5 to 9 inches of snow
5:43 p.m.: Snow blankets the region as forecasters say predictions for worsening weather still hold
Road conditions
Pennsylvania: 511pa.com
New Jersey: 511nj.org
PennDOT warns drivers to stay off the roads if they can. Read about it here.
Snow emergencies
Many communities have declared snow emergencies, which in most places means serious parking restrictions.
Macungie's will be in effect from 3 p.m. today till 7 a.m. Sunday, according to the police department, which is asking residents to obey parking restrictions.
Alburtis will have its in effect from noon today until further notice. All vehicles should be removed from snow emergency routes.
Hellertown is in a snow emergency until further notice. Visit hellertownborough.org/snow for information.
Hanover Township, Northampton County, from now through noon Sunday. Parking on all township streets is prohibited and vehicles may be ticketed with a fine of $50, township public works Director Vincent G. Milite announced.
Tatamy, for now through 10 a.m. Sunday. Mayor Luke Duignam said all vehicles must be removed from marked snow emergency routes.
Hackettstown officials announced the possibility of a snow emergency being declared via Nixle Alerts (get the alerts by texting “07840” to “888-777” or signing up at nixle.com) and posted on both facebook.com/hackettstownpd and hackettstown.net. A snow emergency declaration means there is no parking allowed on any streets in the town of Hackettstown, except the municipal lots, town police said today.
Entertain yourself
Eat: Recipes to keep you warm and toasty in today's snowstorm
What to watch: TV marathons and Netflix picks for this snow day
Cancellations
-- The Sands Bethlehem Event Center announced tonight's XFE Cage Wars 32 has been postponed. More information will be available later.
Vision Bar's nightclub also will be closed, Sands says in a news release.
-- The live Nativity at Arndt's Lutheran Church in Forks Township is canceled and a date has not been rescheduled at this time.
-- Remembering Newtown: A Candlelight Vigil, which was planned for tonight, has been moved to 3 p.m. Sunday at Bethlehem's City Hall.
The event will honor the victims of Sandy Hook, and a victim of the Ross Township shooting will speak.
-- Lights in the Parkway in Allentown is closed for tonight, according to Mike Moore, the city's communications manager.
-- Bethlehem's Luminaria Night is postponed. It is scheduled for Sunday night, depending on the weather then, but organizers suggest following facebook.com/luminarianight for updates.
What are we missing? Email us at news@express-times.com.