Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Tuesday will be a generally dreary, grey day with some light rain, but nothing too heavy like this past weekend's event. Temperatures will still be generally on the mild side and deep into the 40s to low 50s. 

I'm still debating whether or not we see any wintry precipitation Wednesday as temperatures begin to drop and as mentioned the past few days. If anything, if we did, as it would be more in the way of later Wednesday as our next system is trending slower and warmer. Again, this would just be a nuisance event at most late Wednesday into early Thursday, but as you know, it's those "nuisance" events that wind up causing the 40 car interstate pileups as we've seen happen as of late. I'll keep you posted.

Beyond that, it looks like we gradually continue our downward trend of more wintry weather and by the weekend, it looks like we may be back into the freezer, although not as historically brutal as last week but rather more in the way of typical January weather. 

BEST OF SKOOK: And the Best Pizza in Schuylkill County Is

Before I get to the winner, I wanted to thank everyone who voted.  We had nearly 1,000 votes for this poll.  I only hope we can continue to break that record.

Now onto the winner!  After combing through hundreds of votes  . . . . .

The restaurant who was voted as "Best Pizza in Schuylkill County" is:


The Roma Pizzeria in Pottsville!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roma-Pizzeria/116142961743998?rf=141070012595014

Second Place goes to!
Centioles in Girardville
https://www.facebook.com/groups/65409403637/

Third Place Went to Palermo's
http://palermopizzarestaurant.com/

Fourth to the Pizza Place in Frackville,
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pizza-Place-Frackville-Pa/113620615405872

and not far behind was the Pottsville Pizzeria

Our honorable mentions are (in no particular order)
- Prima - Valley View
- Miones - Tower City
- Rut's Cafe - Mahanoy City
- Pascoli's - Mahanoy City
- Suglia's - Schuylkill Mall
- Valenties - Orwigsburg
- Vito's - St. Clair

Fire That Destroyed Mansion Caused By An Extension Chord

The fire that destroyed the James B. Neale mansion in Foster Township on Friday was caused by an extension chord.

The state police fire marshal said that the fire began in a room on the first floor.

Damage to the mansion is said to exceed $400,000.

Suspect in Custody in Shenandoah Robbery

Early Sunday afternoon, Shenandoah police were called to the Rite Aid Parking Lot for a robbery.

A female called 911 and reported a young male stole her purse from inside her occupied vehicle. The female's description of the suspect was a dark skinned male, scruffy facial hair and wearing a Camo jacket with a yellow hoodie underneath.

Police located the stolen purse under some leaves on unit block of North Market street and there was nothing taken from the purse.

Through investigation, at 1:30pms, police learned the suspects name to be Bobby Taylor and took him into custody at 13 North Main street. Taylor was arraigned before Judge Reiley of Pottsville and was unable to post $25.000, 10% cash bail.

Taylor was committed to the Schuykill County prison on charges of Robbery, Theft of property and receiving stolen property.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Monday may start on the sunnier side but end cloudy as another low pressure system skirts in from the west. Rain moves in once again Monday Night but nothing as heavy as what we just went through. 

Models are still confused if this turns into a period of snow late Tuesday night and/or Wednesday. If it did, it would be minor, but a nuisance travel period nonetheless. 

Things then turn notably colder as the week progresses and we get another batch of arctic, but fortunately not truly "polar" air this time around. Have a good new week! 

Body Found in West Mahanoy Twp. Parking Lot

WNEP is reporting that the body of a 64 year old man from Pottsville was found in the State Police Barrack's parking lot in West Mahanoy Twp. around 6pm Saturday.

At this time the death is not considered suspicious but the investigation is ongoing.

The man's name has not been released yet.

Dense Fog Advisory For Schuylkill County

DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM EST THIS MORNING...

* VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.

* IMPACTS...DANGEROUS REDUCTIONS IN VISIBILITY AND RAPIDLY CHANGING CONDITIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO SLOW DOWN...USE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS OR FOG LIGHTS...AND KEEP A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE. CONSIDER ALLOWING EXTRA TIME TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION...GO TO WEATHER.GOV/CTP OR STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

A hefty dumping of rain is on the way Saturday on the order of one to two inches. Some of the rain in the afternoon especially could be heavy & believe it or not, I cannot rule out a flash of lightning or rumble of thunder. This all opens up the door to another problem which is rapid meltoff of leftover snow & ice which could cause flash flooding issues. It will also be unseasonably warm with temperatures perhaps approaching 60 especially in southern parts of the county. A strong cold front then sweeps through and Sunday will be chilly here but not overly brutal.

Areal Flood Watch Issued For Schuylkill County

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A

* FLOOD WATCH FOR CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA.

* FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING.

Friday Morning's Fire in Rush Township (Pictures and Video)

From TamaquaArea.com

Firefighters were called around 8:15 this morning (Jan. 10, 2014) to 92 Ben Titus Road in Still Creek (Rush Township) for a working structure fire. Despite a quick response by firefighters, the home was severely damaged. Two pets were also lost in the fire. The family of five will be staying with family.

Thursday's Two Vehicle Accident on Route 309

From TamaquaArea.com

Firefighters responded to SR309 (between PennDOT shed and Lofty Road) just before 7:45 AM today (Jan. 9, 2014) for a two-vehicle accident with a Jeep on its roof and entrapment. Reportedly, one woman was trapped in the vehicle while McAdoo firefighters worked to extricate her. Traffic was backed up heavily during the rescue and as a MedEvac helicopter landed on SR309 to transport the entrapped woman.

Crews Contain Pine Grove Fire To Attic Area

Just after 5am Thursday, crews were called to 241 South Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove for a structure fire.

When crews arrived, they found an electrical fire in the attic of the home.

The fire was quickly put out by the responding fireman and were able to keep the fire contained to the attic area.

The fire has left the 2 adults and 3 children who live in the home temporarily homeless until the repairs can be made.

The American Red Cross was on scene to provide food and lodging for the family.

The Pine Grove, Suedberg, and Ravine companies responded to the fire.

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings - 1/10/14

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays for 1/10/14

Updated: 6:06am

Assumption BVM/Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay

Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay

Gillingham Charter - 2 Hour Delay

Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay

Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay

North Schuylkill 2 Hour Delay

Pine Grove - 2 Hour Delay

Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill County Head Start - No Pre-k, day care open, policy committee meeting cancelled

Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Health School of Nursing - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Maple Ave. 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Special Ed. - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech North - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech South - 2 Hour Delay

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

St. Clair - 2 Hour Delay

St. Jerome/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County / Freezing RainAdvisory Cancelled

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 3 PM EST FRIDAY...




...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...





THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR LIGHT SNOW AND MIXED PRECIPITATION...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 3 PM EST FRIDAY. THE FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Schuylkill County Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

I'm going to go against the majority here and say that the minor precipitation event on Friday will be more in the way of light snow rather than freezing rain like the National Weather Service is prognosticating. I think the column of air above the surface is cool enough to support mainly snow but I do agree that some freezing rain is possible near the end of the storm. Nevertheless, this is a very minor event with only a little bit of percipitation included, however it does come at a bad time. So despite small precipitation numbers, the fact that it hits the morning rush hour could result in school delays and poor driving.

The precipitation basically ends Friday afternoon and we get a little break until Saturday when temperatures warm well into the 50's but also a good amount of rain possible. So Saturday will be mild but not the prettiest of days by any means.

Cooler but not overly cold weather then for Sunday.

$6,000 Worth of Tools Stolen in Burglaries

State Police are looking for information on two burglaries that took place overnight Tuesday.

They are reporting that $5,000 worth of tools were stolen from Kintzel Portable Welding, Frailey Township.

The tools included

• Lincoln aluminum spool gun
• plasma cutter
• Evolution magnetic drill
• 3/4 inch drive socket set
• Central pneumatic spray gun
• Rechargeable light

On the same night, on the 200 block of Spring street, $800 worth of tools were taken from a workshop behind a house.

These tools included

• Impact wrench and battery drill
• Milwaukee reciprocal saw
• Craftsman Impact Dril

Anyone with information related to these burglaries are asked to call State Police at (570) 739-1330

Freezing Rain Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 3 PM EST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 3 PM EST FRIDAY.

Wednesday's Fire in Porter Twp.

Photo by:  Ashley Herb

Just before 4pm Wednesday afternoon, crews were called to K&E Precision, a machine shop in Porter Twp., just outside Tower City.

Smoke from the blaze could be scene billowing for miles around.  Along with battling the fire, firefighters battled cold temperatures as well.

Crews battled the fire for hours due to the flammable materials in the building, which made the fire tough to put down.

The Republican Herald reported that as of 9:30pm, crews were still at the scene of the fire.

There was reportedly no one in the building at the time.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

As temperatures continue to slowly improve, our next precipitation event comes late tomorrow night into early Friday a.m. The system is moisture starved but may produce a touch of light wintry mix during morning rush hour Friday. Minor, but potentially bad timing.

Beyond that, Saturday stays on the grey side but significantly warmer for the weekend with temperatures in the 50s. In fact, despite minor cool downs early next week, I think temperatures stay mild for all of next week.

Beyond next week, however, may be another story. We'll worry about that when we get to it.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

After one more brutal night, baby steps improvement Wednesday with temperatures around 20. In fact, each day from now through the weekend will feature slowly improving temperatures culminating in the 50s for the weekend! That one minor snow event that I've been mentioning for later this week looks to be just that. Quite minor. However I cannot rule out that the late Thursday night or early Friday morning commute time could be a little bit dicey. More details as we get closer.

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays For 1/8/14

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays For 1/8/14

Assumption BVM - 2 Hour Delay

Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay

Gillingham Charter - 2 Hour Delay

Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay

Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay

North Schuylkill - 2 Hour Delay

Pine Grove - 2 Hour Delay

Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Maple Ave - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Special Ed. Center - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech North - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech South - 2 Hour Delay

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay

St. Clair - 2 Hour Delay

St. Jerome/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Tamaqua Area - 2 Hour Delay

Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Wind Chill Advisory Extended For Schuylkill County

WIND CHILL ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EST WEDNESDAY...

* LOCATIONS...COLUMBIA AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTIES.

Woman Dies in Crash in Washington Twp. Tuesday Morning

WNEP is reporting that Mary Reed, 81, of Pine Grove, died in crash this morning on Sweet Arrow Lake Road in Washington Twp.  She was reportedly in a car with her 2 daughters when the car, her daughter was driving, lost control and hit a tree.

The other two women were flown from the scene.

No word on the severity of their injuries.

Tuesday Morning Fire Destroys Homes in Shenandoah

Image from Schuylkill County Firewire

Around 7:30am, Tuesday crews were called to the the 200 Block on Ferguson Street in Shenandoah.  When crews arrived they found the double block home fully engulfed in flames.  It is being reported that one side was vacant while the other side, the owner of the home was not home at the time.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Since tonight and tomorrow's temperature is going to be pure despair for summer lovers, let's skip ahead to this coming weekend where, believe it or not, I see temperatures actually going ABOVE normal as in 40s or even 50s!
But that's then and this is now and we must discuss tonight's potentially dangerous situation with wind chill values approaching -30 and actual air temperatures near -5! Please, whatever you do, please do not leave any pets outside and YOU shouldn't even go outside if you don't have to. If you do, make sure your car is ready to go with emergency supplies should you break down.
The good news is this polar plunge is actually quite short-lived and by Wednesday, we're back in the twenties and, like I said by the end of the week, temperatures quite mild!
A minor snow and/or ice event is possible around Thursday or Friday, but let's get through this polar plunge first before worrying about that.

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays - 1/7/14

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays for 1/7/14

Assumption BVM - CLOSED

Blue Mountain - CLOSED

Child Development - Pre-K Closed, Day Care Open

Gillingham Charter - CLOSED

Mahanoy Area - CLOSED

Marian Catholic - CLOSED

Minersville - CLOSED

Nativity BVM - CLOSED

North Schuylkill - CLOSED

Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED

Shenandoah Valley - CLOSED

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED

St. Clair - CLOSED

St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - CLOSED

St. Nicholas/Minersville - CLOSED

Tamaqua - CLOSED

Tri-Valley - CLOSED

Trinity Academy - CLOSED

Williams Valley - CLOSED

BEST OF SKOOK: The Winner of Best Wings in Schuylkill County Is . . . . . .

Over the weekend, we asked our reader's through our Facebook page, "Who has the best wings in Schuylkill County?"

The votes are in and we have an upset on our hands.

Semi-Pro Football Looking For Sponsors

The Schuylkill County Predators, the Semi-Pro Football team, is in search of some sponsors.  They've asked for some help through these sponsors to help towards equipment, uniforms, field, charity events, etc.

If interested you can contact them by Schuylkill County Predators on Facebook or scpredators14@yahoo.com

Winter Weather Announcements - 1/6/14

Weather Related Announcements for 1/6/14

Schools

Schuylkill Haven Area - No Evening Activities, no school Tuesday 

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay, Tuesday

------------------------------------------------------------

If you have any weather related closings that you would like to share, please contact us through email at skooknews@outlook.com

Tips For Getting Through Sub Zero Temperatures

As we head toward no-man's land -- double-digit sub-zero temperatures that could set records -- thoughts turn to keeping the family, house and cars safe.

Schuylkill County Weather Midday Update

By:  Monsoon Mike

Temperature soared into the 40's and even 50's ahead of the strong cold front which is moving across the area now. Temperatures will continue to plummet throughout the day and expect a major flash freeze tonight. Wind chill advisories are also in effect for extremely dangerously cold wind chills overnight. Temperatures overnight will be well below zero

Accident Along Route 309 in South Tamaqua Sunday Evening

 From:  TamaquaArea.com

West Penn Township Police, firefighters and Ambulance were called to SR309 northbound in South Tamaqua (West Penn Township) just before 5:30 PM today (Jan. 5, 2014) for a report of a two-vehicle accident with possible assault. No serious injuries were seen. Traffic was detoured around the scene. Soley's Towing was used to transport both vehicles.

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings - 1/6/14

Schuylkill County Closings and Delays for 1/6/14

 

 

Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay

Pine Grove - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkil Haven Area - 2 Hour Delay

St. Ambrose/ Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

St. Jerome Reg./Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

 

Wind Chill Advisory Has Been Issued for Schuylkill County

Fatal Crash in Tremont

Crews were called to 197 South Tremont Street, Tremont with heavy entrapment just before 3 pm Sunday.

Authorities say that Amanda Minnich, 25, of Tremont, lost control of her vehicle on the icy roads and struck a tree.  Minnich was pronounced dead at the scene.

There was also a passenger in the vehicle who was also hurt and was taken to Hershey Medical Center.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

Sunday sure kept me on my toes. The day's freezing rain storm got off to a late start deceiving many folks with a beautiful morning sunshine if you were up that early. Things went downhill almost instantaneously around lunchtime, however, and what followed in the afternoon & evening was one of the more challenging ice storms that we've had in awhile.
Overnight tonight will actually see a slow rise in temperatures and by sunrise, we might even be near 40! But boy that won't last long because an arctic cold front plows in around 10a.m. sending our temperature diving and by tomorrow night, once again we're back to the negative digits. That'll be about a 45 to 50 degree drop in less than 12 hours! What a weird winter! Two concerns with that cold front tomorrow will be the possibility of some snow showers as it crosses and also of a flash freeze of any left standing water freezing solid by the evening commute.
That'll be followed by some cold, quieter weather until around Thursday when our next minor storm should approach. Not looking to be a major storm at this point. But more proof that this winter is going to be a long one. Nevertheless, if we play our cards right, I do see a bit of a January thaw the following week.

Freezing Rain Advisory Extended For Schuylkill County

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT ...
* LOCATIONS ...LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER VALLEY AND SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS.
* HAZARD TYPES ...AREAS OF FREEZING RAIN.
* ACCUMULATIONS ....LESS THAN A QUARTER OF AN INCH.
* TIMING ...TEMPERATURES ARE SLOWLY WARMING ...BUT POCKETS OF FREEZING RAIN WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MIDNIGHT.
* IMPACTS ...ICY AND TREACHEROUS CONDITIONS ON UNTREATED SURFACES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ...
HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION ...GO TO WEATHER.GOV/CTP OR STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.
REPORT ICE ACCUMULATION TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO CTP.STORMREPORTS@NOAA.GOV ...POSTING TO THE NWS STATE COLLEGE FACEBOOK PAGE ...OR TWEET @NWSSTATECOLLEGE WITH THE HASHTAG #CTPWX.

Blythe Twp. Crash Closes Route 209 for Hours

From:  TamaquaArea.com

SUV SHEERS POLE ALONG US209 IN BLYTHE TWP; ROAD CLOSED FOR 4 HOURS

A man and two children escaped injuries after the SUV they were in crashed into and sheered a utility pole around 4:30 PM Saturday (Jan. 4, 2014) along US209 in Blythe Township (near the intersection of James Street). The vehicle came to rest in front of Chet's Wholesale Beverage. The incident also resulted in downed power and communication lines. US209 was closed from New Philadelphia to Middleport for about 4 hours during the response and initial repairs. Responding were fire companies from Kaska, Cumbola, New Philadelphia and Middleport. State Police are investigating.

Freezing Rain Advisory for Schuylkill County (Updated)

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

Sunday will be a less than desirable day especially until mid-afternoon across Schuylkill County as freezing rain causes havoc on local roads. I expect the rain (which should remain light for the most part) to begin around 6 a.m. and continue through Sunday night.  By Sunday night, everything should be plain rain, but before then, temperatures will be below freezing and roads will be less than desirable. This all will be followed by crashing temperatures on Monday as temperatures go from the 30's all the way back down below zero by Monsay night.  In between, as the actual cold front passes, the precipitation could end as a burst of snow Monday morning. The active winter continues, folks!

Freezing Rain Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...

* LOCATIONS...LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER VALLEY AND SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS.

* HAZARD TYPES...AREAS OF FREEZING RAIN.

* ACCUMULATIONS....LESS THAN A TENTH OF AN INCH.

* TIMING...LATE THIS MORNING THROUGH EARLY EVENING.

* IMPACTS...ICY AND TREACHEROUS CONDITIONS ON UNTREATED SURFACES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION...GO TO WEATHER.GOV/CTP OR STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

REPORT ICE ACCUMULATION TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO CTP.STORMREPORTS@NOAA.GOV...POSTING TO THE NWS STATE COLLEGE FACEBOOK PAGE...OR TWEET @NWSSTATECOLLEGE WITH THE HASHTAG #CTPWX.

Frigid Temperatures From Overnight in Schuylkill County

Our readers reported in some of the frigid temperatures from overnight.  This is what we gathered: 

Ashland 0

Auburn -2.6

Cressida -4

Fountain Springs -3

Lavelle -5

Locust Dale -1

Orwigsburg 1

Pottsville -1

Schuylkill Haven -4

West Penn -1

Picture below is from Lake Hauto

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Now that our storm is but a distant memory, our attention turns to some of the coldest air this area has seen in a number of years. Lows are already in the negative digits and by morning we might have temperatures around minus 7 or minus 8 across Skook. Surprisingly, however, temperatures warm all the way to the 20's by later in the day and on Sunday maybe even into the 30's as some rain falls, not snow.

One concern, however, is if cold air gets trapped at the surface and some of that rain starts as freezing rain or snow on Sunday and ends as touch of snow on Monday. I'll know more tomorrow if that's going to happen but the majority of this coming storm looks to be liquid rather than white.

That will be followed by another intense push of arctic air that might even make what we're going through tonight feel warm! Stay tuned!

Snowfall Totals and Images From Around Schuylkill County

The storm is over and we want to thank everyone who shared their snow totals and images with us.

Below are the totals that we've received from all of you

PennDOT Lowers Speed Limits on Interstates

Due to road conditions from the snow, PENNDOT has lowered the speeds on Interstate 81 through Schuylkill County to 45 mph until further notice.

Ashland Doctor Facing Drug Charges

WNEP posted a story Thursday on Dr. Stephanie Tarapchak, who practiced in Ashland, is now facing drug charges.

She is accused from writing prescriptions to pain killers that have led to overdoses and one death.

Tarapchak is also facing charges for smuggling drugs into the Lackawanna County Prison by hiding them inside her rectum.

Tarapchak is to be prosecuted in Lackawanna County court, where she is also locked up at this time.

Tarapchak was charged with corrupt organizations, drug delivery resulting in death, prescribing outside the scope of practice, distribution/prescription to a drug dependent person, refusal or failure to keep records, controlled substance contraband to a confined person, perjury, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, insurance fraud, theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.

Link to full story below
http://wnep.com/2014/01/02/ashland-doctor-facing-drug-charges/

http://republicanherald.com/news/ag-schulkill-county-doctor-smuggled-drugs-into-lackawanna-county-prison-unlawfully-prescribed-pain-pills-1.1610951

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

As our snowstorm departs, we will be left in the wrath of some of the coldest temperatures Skook has seen in several years. Arctic air will completely plunge into Pennsylvania as our storm exits, making high temperatures on Friday about 10 or 15 at best. Yes, TEN or FIFTEEN. Think that's cold? Try Friday Night, About -5. Yes, that's a five with a minus in front of it. Brrrr! 

Things slowly moderate this weekend and we may even see 20 again before it's over! As crazy as this sounds, our next storm later in the weekend or early next week may even feature more liquid rather than frozen variety as temperatures take a nice visit back to the 30s. But it won't be for long. Another arctic plunge happens early next week perhaps featuring temperatures a few ticks LOWER than THIS arctic plunge. 

Guess those woolly caterpillars were onto something when people spotted them having crazy thick coats this past autumn while we were being deceived with 80 degrees on October 5th(remember them days?)

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays - 1/3/14

 

LAST UPDATED:  1/3/2014 5:35am

 

Assumption BVM - CLOSED

Blue Mountain - CLOSED

Gillingham Charter - CLOSED

Mahanoy Area - CLOSED

Marian - CLOSED

Minersville - CLOSED

Nativity BVM - CLOSED

North Schuylkill - CLOSED

Pine Grove - CLOSED

Pottsville - CLOSED

Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED

Schuylkill Maple Ave - CLOSED

Schuylkill Special Ed. Ctr - CLOSED

Schuylkill Tech North Campus - CLOSED

Schuylkill Tech South Campus - CLOSED
Shenandoah Valley - CLOSED
St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED

St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - CLOSED
St. Clair - CLOSED

St. Nicholas/Minersville - CLOSED
Tamaqua - CLOSED
Tri-Valley - CLOSED
Trinity Academy - CLOSED
Williams Valley - CLOSED

Hazleton Chinese Restaurant Searched Thursday Morning

The Standard Speaker is reporting that the Jumbo China Buffet in Hazle Township was searched by State Police Thursday morning.

Update:  It is now being reported that an employee stole credit card information from customers.

Link to article from Standard Speaker
http://standardspeaker.com/news/state-police-search-hazle-twp-restaurant-1.1610655

Schuylkill County Weather Related Announcements - 1/2/14

Schuylkill County Weather Related Announcements for 1/2/14

Boroughs

Mahanoy City - Snow Parking Ban Tonight Mayor has issued a snow parking ban. There will be NO PARKING between Midnight & 7AM on the following streets: Centre St. , Main St. , South St from 2nd Street west to Borough line.

McAdoo - Snow ban is in effect in McAdoo from 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 p.m. Friday.

**We will continue to update this page with other announcements as they come in