Winter Weather — Luzerne, Pennsylvania

2025-11-17 · Luzerne, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

A multi-vehicle accident occurred on I-81 southbound in the wake of a snow shower that went through during the early morning hours. The likely cause according to a local fire chief was black ice. Multiple injuries were reported, but there was no confirmation of the actual number of individuals. However, there was one confirmed fatality on scene.

Wider weather episode

In the wake of a cold front, northwesterly flow led to the development of lake effect snow showers in the area. A snow shower dropped south across southern Luzerne County and I-81 early in the morning on the 17th. This snow shower briefly dropped road temperatures below freezing and the snow that melted initially on contact created black ice according to the local fire chief. This led to a multi-vehicle accident involving 8 vehicles around 6 AM EST on I-81 southbound between West Hazleton and the 309 McAdoo-Tamaqua exit. Multiple injuries were reported and unfortunately one of the drivers involved passed away on scene.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1297627. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.