As a winter storm ends, residents typically gear up to clean their sidewalks and driveways. Municipalities and companies clear snow from parking lots and from around their businesses.

Two storms hit the area — Dec. 23 and 26, 2025. Both did not accumulate a large amount of snow, but the Dec. 26, 2025, storm left a dangerous layer of sleet and ice.

Some people have to work through a storm, such as Northampton postal worker Sean. He diligently delivered mail as he navigated slippery conditions on his route on Washington Avenue.

Dave, a public works employee for Lehigh County, worked his snowblower on the Northampton-Coplay Bridge sidewalk Dec. 23, 2025, clearing the way for folks walking across the bridge, to perhaps shop at Giant Food store in Coplay for essentials.

JLC Lawn Care employee Ryan shoveled snow from a client’s sidewalks in Northampton, while nearby, Jayden skipped the shovel and used a powerful gas-powered blower to clear snow from the sidewalk.

Jake Wertz, of Wertz Excavating, also has a contract salt spreader business that helps businesses and municipalities keep their streets safe for residents and customers.

A Northampton Borough snow plow and salt spreader rumbled around town with an important message on the back of the truck — “Stay 50 feet behind the truck for safety.”

The sleet and ice storm Dec. 26 frustrated people and complicated snow removal efforts. Streets were quiet because the exceedingly slippery conditions kept cars and people off the streets and sidewalks.

All hope these two storms are not a portend of the 2026 winter to come.