Snow Showers Dust Region, Lead to Accidents on I-78 Near Hellertown Exit

Snow squalls and showers dusted the region shortly after dawn this morning, leaving a light coating of snow in their wake and causing headaches for some commuters as they traveled to work.

According to reports from emergency officials, accidents occurred along Interstate 78 near the Route 412/Hellertown exit shortly after 9am this morning.

Separate accidents in both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate highway were attributed to icy conditions, and were subsequently cleared by emergency responders.

As of 11:15am, Lower Macungie Patch Local Editor Mariella Savidge reported that traffic on Interstate 78 was moving slowly.

Savidge, who exited the interstate highway at Route 412, said that "ahead of me it looked like bumper-to-bumper stopped semis."

After driving through Hellertown, she noted that "from streets and sidewalks it looks as if (the borough) got about two inches (of snow)."

The National Weather Service at Mount Holly, N.J. issued a hazardous weather outlook statement at 10:45am this morning, which advised area residents of the potential for continued slick conditions today.

"Some snow showers and narrow bands of snow today will put down locally a quick coating of snow, producing slippery conditions," the statement said.

Yesterday the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advised motorists to beware of colder than normal temperatures as they venture out to run errands or take care of last minute holiday shopping.

Today's high temperature is only expected to reach the upper 20s, with low temperatures tonight expected to dip into the upper teens.