Accu-Weather's Elliot Abrams says last night's light coating of snow is just an appetizer to a messy wintry mix coming later today. "Look for periods of snow tonight accumulating one-to-three inches and then snow and sleet in the morning and then sleet and freezing rain in the afternoon. Perhaps it'll be all rain. Total snow accumulation will be three-to-six inches and then we'll get some ice at night. Travel will be extremely difficult when we're getting all this precipitation," Abrams says. A winter weather advisory takes effect tonight at 7 o'clock.
The Gracedale nursing home has been cited by the state for nearly a dozen violations. A December state inspection found Gracedale staff kept a patient restrained for long periods of time, didn't help a resident who was struggling to eat and not brushing another person's teeth. Today's Morning Call reports other violations include failing to follow doctor's orders for a patient's diet and not keeping alarm systems within patients' reach so they could call for help if needed. Gracedale's interim administrator says the problems have been fixed and staff has been retrained.
The demise of Bieber Transportation is opening the door to four major motorcoach companies to handle travel to Philadelphia and New York City. After around 70 years in business, Bieber unexpectedly announced Friday it was immediately shutting down. However, Greyhound, Trans-Bridge Lines, Fullington Trailways and Martz Trailways are all saying they're making changes to keep the Lehigh Valley connected to those popular destinations. The companies also reportedly are helping pay ticket commissions and fees at area bus terminals in order to keep them open and running.
Several people are homeless after a weekend fire that damaged the Valley Housing apartment complex in Fountain Hill. The fire broke out Saturday night and affected numerous floors of the Cherokee Street building. No injuries were reported and officials say many residents were displaced and are receiving lodging through the Red Cross. There's no word yet on what caused the fire.
Gas prices are up and industry analyst Trilby Lundberg expects them to keep rising. The national average for regular is up to $2.34 a gallon as more retailers pass along increases in wholesale costs. Pennsylvania is far above that average rate, at almost $2.49 a gallon. New Jersey's gas prices are just below that average rate, at $2.32 a gallon.