Winter Storm Watch Issued

We may be through with wintry weather, but wintry weather isn't through with us.

According to the National Weather Service, the potential for a signifcant snowfall exists Wednesday, when as much as 4 to 8 inches of the white stuff could be laid down across the Lehigh Valley, the southern Poconos and northwestern New Jersey.

To help residents prepare for the unexpected return of wintry conditions, the weather service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all of Lehigh and Northampton counties, effective from late tonight--when snow will begin--through late Wednesday night.

"The Wednesday morning commute will be affected as snow will be falling and untreated roads will be slick and snow covered," the watch statement said. "The Wednesday evening commute could be affected more significantly as snow accumulations could reach near 6 inches in places by Wednesday evening."

During the day Wednesday the snow could be of varying intensity, with visibilities reduced to one quarter to one half mile at times, the watch statement said.

Temperatures are forecast to remain below normal through the end of the week, with highs only expected to reach the low 40s, and lows in the 20s.

Residents are advised to monitor the local weather forecast for updates on this developing winter storm.