Most local schools are closed today and Accu-Weather's Bill Deger says that's because we're in line to get a pretty decent snowstorm. "If probably will be falling pretty heavy at times right off the bat and right into the afternoon. Look for a quick three-to-six inches before we change over to sleet and freezing rain by early evening," Deger says. We're certainly not alone. An estimated 200 million Americans either already have or will be seeing snow or ice over a 24-36 period.
The local PennDOT region has its full compliment of plow trucks out today for our latest winter storm. Spokesman Ron Young says it's easy for you to see where all those plows are at any time. "Folks can track where the trucks are on our www.511pa.com website. There's a truck locator feature on that website as well as you can check your specific route if you must go out. You put in your start and finish points and it'll let you know where the trucks are on that route and also where any problems are on that route," says Young. He says there will be more than 200 plow trucks out in this PennDOT region during the storm.
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike are imposing vehicle restrictions in our area as of noon today due to expected poor winter weather. Empty trucks and tractor trailers, double trailers and RVs will be prohibited from driving on many local highways including I-78 from I-81 to the New Jersey state line, I-80 from I-99 to the New Jersey state line, all of I-81, Route 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey state line and Route 33 from I-78 to I-80. A 45 miles-per-hour speed limit will also be put in place for all roadways at noon.
As of now, there are no delayed flights departing Lehigh Valley International Airport. As always, if you're flying today, you are encouraged to check with your carrier to determine the status of your flight.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says a state of emergency is in effect across New Jersey to prepare for another messy winter storm. The declaration was made in order to facilitate resources in all 21 of the Garden State's counties. As a result, the Department of Transportation will deploy over 2500 spreaders and plows to help maintain safe road conditions. Gov. Murphy is also asking residents to consider any alternatives that would keep them off the roads, including telecommuting if possible.
A Bucks County man has pleaded guilty to raping and murdering his adoptive daughter. Jacob Sullivan entered his plea Tuesday just as jury selection was about to begin in his trial. Prosecutors say Sullivan and his then-girlfriend Sara Packer had been fantasizing about sexually assaulting and killing 14-year-old Grace Packer. Investigators say in 2016 Sullivan and Packer drugged, sexually assaulted and tied the girl up in a Bucks County home before Sullivan strangled and dismembered her. The teen's body was then dumped in Luzerne County, where it was eventually found by hunters. Sara Packer is said to be cooperating with prosecutors and is expected to eventually take a plea deal in the case.
An Allentown police officer is facing charges for punching his girlfriend during an altercation. Bejtullah Mehmeti was arrested in Carbon County on counts related to assault and harassment after the female victim told Mahoning Township police he had allegedly struck her in the face over the weekend. Police report Mehmeti claims the woman was intoxicated when she tried to leave the scene and he attempted to grab her purse, resulting in the victim hitting herself. The woman maintains he struck her in the face and tried to pull her hair.
A Northampton County woman is facing charges for leaving her toddler home so she could go drinking. Lower Saucon Township Police responded over the weekend to the Leithsville Inn in Hellertown, where a man had his two-year-old son with him as he yelled at the child's mother, identified as Kayla Ann Harris. The man had been at work and came home to allegedly find the child in the family's residence unsupervised. Police using video footage determined that Harris, who lives across the street from the bar, had arrived there on her own and was there for around an hour while the boy was home alone.
The Berks County district attorney says he's investigating claims from former Bieber Tourways employees who say they haven't been paid. John Adams says his office has heard from numerous ex-Bieber employees since the company went under two weeks ago. "We have had contact with the company. It is our goal to make certain that the individuals who have had checks bounce that were payable by Bieber Bus Company to them, will be made whole," Adams says. Bieber closed February 8th after 72 years in operation.
It's Highway Safety Law Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. State Police say one of the laws they'd like to make you aware of is the now expanded move over rule for motorists approaching an emergency scene. "You're required to slow down and move one lane over if possible. What makes an emergency scene? Police, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, maintenance workers and the law was recently modified to include trash and recycling trucks," says State Police Trooper Kelly Smith.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is signing a bill into law today expanding the state's paid family leave program. It will double the benefits period from six to 12 weeks and increase maximum weekly payments. The new law that gives workers paid time off to care for a newborn or sick family member goes into effect in July of 2020. It means more money will be taken out of worker paychecks to pay for it. Opponents call that another tax and say it makes it harder on small businesses to replace workers.