For those who must travel amid winter storms, they should drive defensively and be prepared for emergencies, NHTSA says. Here's what to do.

A NEXT Weather Alert is in effect from 3 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday because of potentially dangerous weather. A winter storm warning is in effect for the Poconos and parts of the Lehigh Valley, and a winter weather advisory is in place for the remainder of the Philly area and much of Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia.

The latest winter storm to hit the Lehigh Valley delivered less than an inch of snow, but the bigger story was the icy slop created as sleet and even some freezing rain mixed in. Officially, 0.9 inches of snow and sleet, with a glaze of freezing rain, was reported at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Widespread travel disruptions are expected with heavy snow falling Friday night into Saturday morning across most of New Jersey.

The California Highway Patrol warned drivers to be cautious because "'making memories’ shouldn’t include us pulling you out of a snowbank."

A powerful storm bringing heavy snow, ice, and 70 mph winds will close the Buffalo Skyway. Prepare for dangerous road conditions and possible day-long closure.

Intense snow bands with rates of 1 inch per hour are possible across parts of northern New Jersey during tonight's storm.

It's shaping up to be the most talked about part of Boxing Day. No, not the sales — although being inside, even if it means spending money on things you don't really need, might be a better alternative to facing the ugly,