As the area continued to dig out of the snowfall, which struck the region Thursday, the threat of a new storm looms as a possibility to hit here as early as Monday.

When the overcast sky broke Sunday afternoon to end the storm, which began at about 4 p.m. Christmas Day, the area lay under 17 inches of fresh snow. This brought the total for the season to 36.1 inches — up nearly two feet since last Sunday.

The storm nearly halted all business and industrial activity in the Williamsport area. Three banks were among the few businesses that managed to open their doors for the day, but they closed early and cancelled business hours for Friday night.

Absenteeism in area companies was reportedly high, and some went so far as to cancel shifts and complete work schedules.

A snow emergency was declared by the city, and bus service was curtailed for the day on Friday morning.

Most downtown stores were back in business yesterday, although some delivery services were unable to travel through snow-clogged streets. Most retailers expected no shortage of food or emergency items.

Emerson Yaw, maintenance supervisor of District 3-0 of the Pennsylvania Department of Highways, said major arteries were opened to traffic. For rural county roads, though, the battle against constantly blowing and drifting snow posed a critical problem.

Highway maintenance crews in Lycoming County went into action late Christmas afternoon with 26 plows, 5 graders, and 35 trucks. Yesterday at noon 140 men were on the job, most of them working overtime, with 60 pieces of snow removal and allied equipment, according to Yaw.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.