Snow emergencies, closings in Philadelphia area ahead of winter storm
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Communities across the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware and Lehigh valleys, are announcing snow emergencies and closures ahead of the winter storm.
The following are announcements that have been sent to Action News.
This list will be updated as more announcements arrive.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Get the latest school closings and delays at 6abc.com/SchoolClosings
PHILADELPHIA
-The City of Philadelphia will be under a Snow Emergency beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday. Click here for more details.
-School District of Philadelphia: Due to severe weather on Monday Feb. 1, virtual classes will be held with teacher-led instruction in the morning and asynchronous independent tasks assigned by the teacher in the afternoon. All School District buildings & offices will be closed
-Archdiocesan high schools and parochial elementary schools in the City of Philadelphia will be closed on Monday.
-Trash and recycling collection will be suspended Monday, February 1. If your usual trash day is Monday, please hold your trash until next Monday, February 8.
PENNSYLVANIA
ABINGTON TWP.
Abington Township has declared a Snow Emergency effective at 12 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2021, until 12 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. During this time parking on designated Snow Emergency Routes is prohibited to allow our plow operators to clear the streets in a safe and efficient manner.
Cars parked on Snow Emergency Routes after 12 p.m. may be towed and/or ticketed. Residents are also reminded to please clear your sidewalks of ice and snow within 24 hours of the end of the storm. If you have a fire hydrant on or near your property, please clear that as well.
ALLENTOWN
Mayor Ray O'Connell is declaring a Snow Emergency in the City of Allentown effective at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021.
By ordinance, a "snow emergency," requires owners to remove their vehicles from posted routes. Signs are posted on snow emergency routes, which are also published on the city website, www.allentownpa.gov.
City Public Works Director Craig Messinger warns that vehicles left on designated routes during a snow emergency will be ticketed and towed, the total costs of which can exceed $200. Parking is prohibited on the routes until the emergency is officially lifted. Residents should also go to the city website or avail themselves of local news media sources to learn when the snow emergency is lifted.
City residents are advised to wait until plows have been down their street before shoveling driveways and are asked to avoid throwing snow back onto the streets.
The Allentown Parking Authority is making the Arena North Deck (712 W. Linden with room for 700 vehicles) available for free parking for residents during the snow emergency beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2021.
Should that deck be full, Authority personnel will direct drivers to the next available deck.
Parking will also be available in two Allentown School District Parking Decks:
-18th & Turner Parking Deck
-Saint Cloud & Liberty Parking Deck
The Allentown Fairgrounds parking lot will also be available beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2021. Motorists are asked to enter at Gate 8 on Liberty Street.
ALLENTOWN HEALTH BUREAU COVID-19 VACCINATION CANCELATIONS
Allentown Health Bureau is canceling COVID-19 vaccinations on Monday, February 1 and Tuesday, February 2 at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds due to the impending snowstorm and anticipated clean-up.
-If your appointment was on Monday, February 1, it is being rescheduled for Wednesday, February 3 at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds.
-If your appointment was on Tuesday, February 2, it is being rescheduled to Thursday, February 4at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds.
-Your appointment time remains the same.
-Wednesday & Thursday appointments will still take place as scheduled.
-Those being vaccinated are asked to stay in their car until 5 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time.
BENSALEM
Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo has declared a snow emergency for Bensalem Township. Please avoid any non-essential travel and remove your vehicles from the street so township snow plows can clear the snow in a timely manner.
BETHLEHEM
City of Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez declared a snow emergency in Bethlehem effective 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2021 to allow plowing of snow to the curb on designated City Emergency Routes/Streets.
All vehicles need to be removed from the designated/signed side of streets on Bethlehem snow emergency routes by 7:00 p.m. January 31, 2021. Vehicles not removed will be towed to allow for plowing.
One side of a snow emergency route is plowed at a time. Residents should check the signs posted along snow emergency routes to determine which side of the street - the even or odd -- will be cleared first.
Residents needing immediate assistance while the snow emergency declaration is in effect should call our activated 24 hour phone numbers 610-865-7115 or 610-865-7116.
The Bethlehem Parking Authority also announced that the North Street, New Street and Walnut Street public parking garages, and street meters, will be free of charge beginning 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2021 to accommodate parking needs. Vehicles must be removed from these locations within 4 hours of the end of the emergency or they will be charged to exit. Residents are asked not to park on public parking lots due to the need to plow these lots.
BUCKINGHAM TWP.
Buckingham Township Snow Removal Ordinance 2003-07 states "street parking is prohibited during a winter storm or during the 12-hour period following the cessation of precipitation or any other period when snow removal or plowing is being conducted." All vehicles MUST be removed from Township roads. Do not blow or shovel snow onto Township roads. Also, make sure fire hydrants near your home are cleared of snow.
CHALFONT
A Winter Storm Emergency fhas been declared and is in effective at 1 pm Sunday and continuing for the duration of the storm until the snow has been cleared.
Please do not park on any posted snow emergency on any Borough streets in Chalfont or you will be ticketed and may be towed.
DOYLESTOWN
A Winter Storm Emergency fhas been declared and is in effective at 1 pm Sunday and continuing for the duration of the storm until the snow has been cleared.
Please do not park on any posted snow emergency routes in Doylestown Borough or you will be ticketed and may be towed.
FALLS TWP.
Falls Township is declaring a Snow Emergency starting on Sunday, 1/31/21 at 6PM, expiring on Tuesday, 2/2/21 at 6AM.
The declaration requires all cars, trucks, boats, trailers, etc. to be moved off of every township street into your driveway or onto your property so plows and emergency vehicles can get down the street.
Failure to comply can result in a ticket and/or towing.
FRANCONIA TWP.
Franconia Township has declared a Snow Emergency effective 12:00 noon, Sunday, January 31, 2021 and lasting until 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
In order to allow the Franconia Township Highway Department to properly clear the roads of the snow, we are requesting that vehicles should not be parked on any Franconia Township roads or streets. Of special concern are the core of cul-de-sac streets where plowing requires a different technique
HATFIELD BOROUGH and TWP.
Due to the severe winter storm forecasted for our region, a Snow Emergency has been declared for both Hatfield Township and Hatfield Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Effective as of 12:00 PM today, January 31, 2021. It will remain in effect for the duration of the winter storm.
Please remember these important tips to help members of Public Works and the Police Department to keep our roads safe and clear of snow: Remove your vehicle from the road during a snow emergency. Your vehicle may be towed if it is parked in the street. Keep non-essential vehicles off the roadways. Non-essential vehicles include ATVs and snowmobiles. Remove trash and recycling receptacles, basketball nets, and all other items from the roadway to avoid damage. Latest updates here.
HAVERFORD TWP.
Haverford Township has declared a Snow Emergency beginning at 12:00 noon on January 31, 2021 and ending at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 2nd, unless otherwise modified by the Township. This declaration is authorized by 175-58 the General Laws of Haverford Township and will assist in snow removal and the safe passage of emergency vehicles.
No Christmas trees will be collected on Monday and no trash will be collected on Tuesday. If your trash is normally collected on Tuesdays, please hold it until your next regularly scheduled collection day (Thursday).
During a snow emergency, the following activities are unlawful in Haverford Township:
*Parking a motor vehicle or allowing a motor vehicle to remain parked on any Snow Emergency Route (see attached for a list of Snow Emergency Routes in Haverford Township); or
*Driving any vehicle on a Snow Emergency Route unless the vehicle is equipped with snow tires, chains, or other suitable traction devices; or
*Driving any vehicle that becomes stuck on any Snow Emergency Route during a Snow Emergency due to the failure to equip that vehicle with snow tires, chains, or other suitable traction devices.
LANSDALE
Lansdale Borough has issued a Snow Alert effective 12:00 pm on Sunday, January 31, 2021. The emergency will be in effect until further notice. We will continue to monitor forecasts and should predictions change, the Borough will adjust the upcoming alert.
For citizens, a snow alert means that all vehicles parked on those streets where signage indicates no parking during a snow alert are required, by law, to be moved elsewhere in order to allow snow plowing of the road surface. Snow alert signage dictates which side of the street residents may not park on when an alert is declared. Residents may park in their driveways (if available), alternate side of their street or another street not marked "No Parking."
It is not the policy of the Borough to direct any resident or citizen where to park (i.e. we do not require residents to park in alleys when a snow alert is declared), we can only instruct where parking is not permitted. These parking restrictions are put into place for the purpose of public safety as well as the efficiency of snow clearing on Borough streets; vehicles in violation are subject to ticketing and/or towing by the Lansdale Borough Police Department. If you see a vehicle parked on a Snow Alert Route, please contact Lansdale Police at 215-368-1800.
LONGWOOD GARDENS CLOSED
Due to the impending snowstorm and for the safety of guests and staff, Longwood Gardens will be closed Monday, February 1. The Gardens hope to reopen on Wednesday, February 3 at 10 am.
Longwood will be refunding all tickets purchased for admission for Monday. For more information visit longwoodgardens.org.
LOWER GWYNEDD TWP.
The Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors has declared a Snow Emergency effective Sunday, January 31, 2021 starting at 12:00 pm and be in effect until Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 12:00 pm.
Off-Street Parking is required in accordance with Section 460.03 of the Township Code.
LOWER MAKEFIELD TWP.
Lower Makefield Township has issued a Snow Emergency effective 11:00PM Sunday, January 31, 2021 until further notice. The Emergency Operations Center will be in effect at 7AM, Monday, February 1, 2021.
Anyone with true emergencies should call 911. All other issues, please contact the Emergency Operations Center at 215-493-4055.
During the Snow Emergency, motorists should remain off the roadways and no vehicles will be parked on major highways or township roads. Residents should use caution if they must travel and clear snow from doorways of residences in the event of an emergency. In the event of power outages, the township will notify residents on locations of warming stations, comfort stations, and shelters.
LOWER MORELAND TOWNSHIP
Lower Moreland Township has declared a snow emergency effective Sunday, January 31, 2021, from 12 p.m. until Tuesday, February 2, 2020 at Noon.
Township code requires all motor vehicles to be removed from roads and snow to be cleared from fire hydrants. Township residents are also required to clear a pathway, not less than 30 inches in width, on sidewalks by removing snow and ice within 36 hours after snow has stopped falling. Please do not shovel or plow snow from driveways or sidewalks into the street or onto someone else's property. Read more.
LOWER PROVIDENCE TWP.
A snow emergency has been declared for Lower Providence Township from 12:00 pm Sunday, January 31, 2021 until 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 subject to change.
Residents are reminded of the following restrictions that are in place under the snow emergency declaration:
-Parking is prohibited on the odd numbered side of the street unless there is no off-street parking available at or within 300 feet of the property.
-All vehicles should have chains or all-weather tires.
-Any vehicle parked, stalled, incapable of moving or left unattended upon any street or road may be removed or towed by the Police Department.
-Blowing or shoveling snow into the street is prohibited.
LOWER SALFORD TWP.
Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County, Pa has declared a snow emergency from noon Sunday, Jan 31st until midnight on Tuesday, February 2nd
MARPLE TWP.
Marple Township has declared a Snow Emergency effective at 2pm Sunday. This declaration will assist in snow removal and the safe passage of emergency vehicles. The Emergency Declaration will end at 12 p.m. on Tuesday.
All township buildings including the Library, Administration and Paxon Hollow Country Club will be closed until 10am on Tuesday February 2nd. Presently all trash collections scheduled for Monday will remain ON SCHEDULE unless you receive another notification from this office. It is imperative that residents receiving Monday trash collections have it curbside no later than 7am to ensure pick-up.
When a Snow Emergency is declared, it shall be unlawful, at any time during the continuance of the emergency, for any person, firm or corporation:
-To park a motor vehicle or to allow that vehicle to remain parked anywhere on and Snow Emergency Route designated pursuant to this article; or
-To drive any vehicle on any such Snow Emergency Route unless that vehicle is equipped with snow tires, chains, or other suitable traction devices.
MEDIA
The Mayor of the Borough of Media (Delaware County) has declared a snow emergency beginning Sunday, January 31st at 5:00 p.m. through February 2nd at Noon, pursuant to 291-49 of the Borough Code, in order to facilitate the movement of traffic and to combat the hazards of snow and ice along designated snow emergency routes.
MONTCO: VACCINE CLINIC AT COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESCHEDULED
Due to the impending winter weather, the County's COVID-19 vaccination clinic scheduled for Monday February 1st, 2021 at the Montgomery County Community College will be closed. All clients with registered appointments will be automatically rescheduled for Norristown High School on Friday February 5, 2021. A message reflecting this change has been sent via email to all registered clients. Information regarding any changes to clients with appointments for Tuesday February 2, 2021 will be communicated Monday, February 1, 2021 via email, the county's website and social media.
Additionally, all County COVID-19 testing sites will be closed Monday, February 1, 2021. County testing sites will reopen on Tuesday February 2, 2021 weather permitting.
MONTGOMERY TWP.
As of 12pm on Sunday 01/31/2021, a SNOW EMERGENCY is in effect in Montgomery Township. All Snow Emergency Routes must be kept clear of parked or unattended vehicles during the emergency so that roads can be properly plowed. Please stay off of the roads if at all possible. Snow Emergency Routes can be viewed at www.montgomerytwp.org.
NEW BRITAIN
The Mayor of New Britain has declared a snow emergency from Sunday, January 31st at 6:00PM to Tuesday, February 2nd at 8:00PM. Vehicles are not to be parked on the side of the road at this time to allow for snow plowing. The Borough Offices will be physically closed on Monday, February 1st, but Borough staff will be returning calls and answering emails.
NEWTOWN TWP.
Newtown Township is issuing a snow emergency effective at 6:00 PM on Sunday, January 31, 2021 until 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
Under this emergency, "It shall be unlawful to park, or to allow to be parked, any motor vehicle on any road or street within the Township following deposit or accumulation of ice or snow of one (1) inch or greater, in depth, until the snow has been completely plowed for the full width of the cartway." Dependent upon conditions, this snow emergency may be extended.
NORTH WALES
Effective 12:00 P.M. Sunday Jan. 31, 2021 through 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 a 'Snow Emergency' is declared for North Wales Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced on the posted Snow Emergency Routes of Main and Walnut Streets and cars will be towed.
The riding of bicycles is banned within the Borough during this snow emergency. This will protect both bicyclists and drivers.
PARKESBURG
Due to the forecasted moderate to heavy snowfall predicted for the region, Mayor Hagan has declared a SNOW EMERGENCY, effective later this afternoon, Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 4PM, until Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 6 AM0. Police will be delivering public address announcements beginning at 1PM on these posted streets.
Residents are directed to remove their vehicles from posted routes to other public parking locations. West First Avenue (between SR 10 and S. Limestone Road), West Main Street (between SR 10 and N. Limestone Road) , Strasburg Avenue (between Main Street and N. Limestone Road), West Bridge Street (its entire length) Police have been authorized to ticket and tow (remove) any vehicle(s) which remain parked on these posted Snow Emergency routes. Towing fees are the vehicle owner's responsibility/expense and Null's Towing (610-593-5586) has been authorized to tow upon the police request. This Snow Emergency will be modified should conditions improve.
PENNDEL
The Mayor of Penndel borough has declared a snow emergency for the upcoming snowstorm. Please remove all vehicles from streets by 4:00pm Sunday Jan. 31st to allow plows to remove snow. Non-removal of vehicles will result in being ticketed and/or towed. Please clear sidewalks within 12 hours after snow ceases to fall.
PHOENIXVILLE
The Mayor's Office of the Borough of Phoenixville is issuing a Snow Emergency declaration in accordance with Title 35 and the Borough Emergency Operations Plan. In accordance with these plans, the Mayor directs the Police Department and Parking Enforcement to ensure vehicles are removed from Snow Emergency Routes, up to and including towing of private vehicles.
Residents are reminded that vehicles should be removed from snow emergency routes prior to the enactment of this declaration. Failure to remove your vehicles may result in ticketing, towing, or the possibility of having your vehicle 'plowed in.' Off-street parking is available at a number of parking lots throughout the Borough.
Residents requiring special assistance should contact the Phoenixville Borough Police Department at 610-935-2440 to request assistance.
PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP
Plymouth Township has declared a snow emergency effective at 5 p.m. on January 31, 2021, until further notice
RED HILL
Red Hill Borough Mayor Dave Schiffgens has declared a snow emergency is in effect in the Borough of Red Hill beginning today at 7:00 PM and continuing through Tuesday, 2/2/21 until 9:00 AM.
ROYERSFORD
The Mayor of Royersford Borough has declared a Snow Emergency for the Borough of Royersford. This snow emergency is in effect Sunday January 31, 2021 at 1:00 pm. A notification will be made after the emergency is terminated.
*All residents and business owners are advised to clear all vehicles off of the snow emergency routes. Snow Emergency Routes are as follows in the borough of Royersford:
*5th Ave from the Limerick township line to Green Street, no parking on the west side (odd numbered side)
*Main Street from 10th Avenue to Lewis Road, no parking on either side of the street (both sides of the street)
*Main Street from 2nd Ave to Lewis Road, no parking on the south side of the street (even numbered side)
*2nd Avenue from Main Street to the Borough line, no parking on the west side (odd numbered side)
*Walnut Street from Lewis Road to Borough line, no parking on the south side (even numbered side)
*Washington Street from 2nd Avenue to Lewis Road, no parking on the south side (even numbered side)
*Summer Street from N. 4th Avenue to N. 3rd Avenue, no parking on the entire street (both sides of the street)
SOLEBURY TWP.
Solebury Twp has declared a snow emergency starting at 8 p.m. Sunday 01/31/21 until 12 p.m. Tuesday 02/02/21.
SPRING CITY
A snow emergency has been declared in the Borough of Spring City effective January 31, 2021 09:00 AM to February 2, 2021 12:00 PM. All cars must be removed from Snow Emergency routes.
UPPER DARBY TWP.
Our Public Works crews have been brining our snow emergency routes, hills, curves, and "hot spots". Snow plans rely heavily on the cooperation of residents. Please help our Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments: Do not park at street corners, in fire lanes or in front of fire hydrants. We need to keep these areas open for our snow plows and public safety vehicles. Please utilize off-street parking if available.
Cars that are parked on snow routes will be towed beginning at 3 pm today, Sunday, January 31st.
Snow plowing will begin after snow begins to accumulate. Our Public Works department is prepared with plows and salt and is ready to go. Please stay off the road ways and avoid all non-essential travel during the snowstorm so that our salt trucks, snow plows, and first responders can move freely and keep everyone safe.
UPPER GWYNEDD TOWNSHIP
Upper Gwynedd Township has declared a Snow Emergency effective 12:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2021. In anticipation of that, we would like to remind you that parking on ALL township streets are prohibited during the entire duration of the declaration. This means that towing and citations may result if you are parked on roads within the township during this time. We ask that you make alternate parking arrangements ahead of time so that our Public Works Department can safely and efficiently clear your streets. If you see a vehicle parked on a Township roadway, please contact Upper Gwynedd Police at 215-699-5861.
UPPER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP
Upper Southampton Township has declared a Snow Emergency that will be in effect from 5:00 pm January 31, 2021 until 1:00 pm February 2, 2021. During this Snow Emergency, it shall be unlawful at any time during the continuance of the Snow Emergency for any person to park a motor vehicle or to allow that vehicle to remain anywhere on any designated snow emergency route (any township street). Failure to remove vehicles may result in fines and or towing of vehicles.
WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP
A snow declaration is in effect starting today until the end of the event. During a snow emergency cars must be parked on the odd side of the street since it is an odd year, 2021. This parking arrangement is vital to plowing operations for our community. Please remain at home if possible and monitor the weather.
NEW JERSEY
BURLINGTON CITY
If you live in the following emergency route areas, please follow these special parking directions six hours prior to storms:
If you park on High Street or Broad Street, move to municipal lots or other off-street parking.
Also, if you park on Penn Street, Barclay Street, the 400 block of Lawrence Street, or Juniper Street, you will need to move all of your vehicles off the street to allow City plow trucks and emergency personnel to pass through safely during a snowstorm.
If you park on East Federal Street, please move to off-street parking or park on the even-numbered side of the street until plows come through.
In addition, all other residents are asked to move cars from all streets, if possible, or to park on the even-numbered sides of their streets at least 6 hours before storms so that plows can more easily clear the odd-numbered sides of streets first. After plowing is completed, please move cars to the odd-numbered sides of streets so plows can clear the other sides. Thank you for your cooperation during this snow emergency.
NJ DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NJDOT issues commercial vehicle restrictions on multiple Interstate highways beginning on Sunday at 12 noon. Restrictions do not apply to New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway or Atlantic City Expressway
The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin at 12 noon, Sunday, January 31 and will be in place for the length of the following highways in both directions:
-I-76, from the Walt Whitman Bridge (Pennsylvania border) to NJ Route 42
-I-78, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
-I-80, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
-I-195, from I-295 to NJ Route 138
-I-280, from I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
-I-287, from NJ Route 440 to the New York State border
-I-295, from the Delaware Memorial Bridge to the Scudders Falls Bridge (Pennsylvania border)
-I-676, from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Pennsylvania border) to I-76
-NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287
The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:
-All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
-Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
-Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
-Recreational vehicles
-Motorcycles
This restriction DOES NOT apply to:
-The New Jersey Turnpike
-The Garden State Parkway
-The Atlantic City Expressway
-Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.
Trucks that are already in New Jersey when the travel restrictions go into place are encouraged to pull off in truck stops to wait out the storm - DO NOT PARK ON SHOULDERS.
