Lehigh County Opens Emergency Shelter In South Whitehall

Editor's note: An incorrect location was given for the emergency shelter. This article has been updated to reflect the correct location.

Lehigh County has set up an emergency shelter at the  building on Cedar Crest Boulevard in South Whitehall, for anyone, especially senior citizens, who may need a place to stay warm while their power is out following Saturday's snowstorm. 

As of 12:30 a.m., about 30 people were on their way to the shelter, a county official said.

The weekend storm caused widespread power outages, and as a result, many people have been without power, and therefore heat, for two days.

Lehigh County began moving residents from affected county housing units into the Troxell building, 2219 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., which is part of the Parkland School District, but the shelter is available to anyone affected by power outages.

The Lehigh County Department of Aging and Adult Services urged residents to check on elderly neighbors and help them seek shelter if they have been affected by the lack of power or heating.

Those who plan to seek shelter at the school are asked to bring a pillow, blankets and any medication that may be needed over the next few days.

Residents who need shelter should find their own transportation to the Troxell building, if possible. Those who need transportation can call 610-633-4549.

According to PPL Electric Utilities website, 61,455 customers remain without power, and 48851 customers have had power restored. In South Whitehall, 6,461 customers still do not have power as of 10:20 a.m. However, power has been restored in South Whitehall to 10,041 people, according to PPL Electric Utilities' website.

Lehigh County Chief of Staff Frank Kane said Cedarbrook, the county's nursing home, lost power but has been operating on generators.