Winter Storm Targets Lower Merion: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — A potentially record-breaking winter storm is predicted to hit the Philadelphia region this weekend. Forecasters estimate the area could see 12 to 18 inches of snow on Sunday continuing into Monday. See the detailed forecast here.

The National Weather Service said last time at least 12 inches of snow in one day in Philadelphia was January 23, 2016, when 19.6 inches of snow fell.

A Snow Emergency has been declared by Lower Merion Township, effective at 11:00 pm Saturday.
"Please stay off roadways during the snowstorm and until they have been cleared. Major and primary roads will be plowed first, while residential secondary streets cannot be treated until storm conditions allow," the township said.

"Where parking is allowed on both sides of the street, residents are reminded to park on the EVEN address side of the street during and after snowfall subsides." More information on the local snow emergency can be found here.

Lower Merion Police have already postponed their Coffee with a Cop event that was planned for Monday. It will now be held Wednesday.

If you experience a power outage, contact PECO at 1-800-841-4141.

Residents in Lower Merion should be aware of snow removal guidelines in the township code. Here's what the local ordinances say:

• The allowance, permitting or causing of snow or ice to lie upon, remain upon or be piled or accumulated upon the sidewalks of the Township shall constitute a public nuisance.
• It shall be the duty of all tenants or occupants of occupied properties, and the owners or agents in charge of unoccupied properties, abutting on public streets in the Township of Lower Merion, not later than 24 hours after snow or sleet has ceased to fall, to clear or cause to be cleared a pathway in the sidewalk in front of their respective properties in accordance with the guidelines of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA compliant). The pathway shall be not less than 36 inches (three feet) in width and shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Should the snow and ice on the sidewalk be frozen so hard that it cannot be removed without injury to the pavement, the sidewalk shall be strewn with sand, ashes, sawdust, salt or similar abrasive materials. Snow must also be removed from that portion of the sidewalk leading to the street(s) adjacent to corner properties, including ADA ramps.
• Snow is unavoidably pushed onto sidewalks and driveways or other curb openings as a result of snow plow operations by the Township. Clearing such snow remains the responsibility of the tenants or occupants of occupied properties and the owners or agents in charge of unoccupied properties.
• Snow or ice removed from sidewalk areas must be placed on the property from which it was removed.
• If there shall be an excessive amount of snow or ice, and there is no longer any place on the property to deposit the snow or ice, then it may be placed along the property side of the curbline.
• It is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and it shall be unlawful to shovel, plow, throw or deposit snow or ice into or upon a public street in the Township in a manner which allows the snow to remain on such street.
• It shall be unlawful to throw or pile any snow around or upon any fire hydrant or drain.
• Summary proceedings for failure to comply with the provisions of § 133-4 of this article may be instituted by the Township before any District Justice, and any person, firm or corporation convicted of violating the provisions of § 133-4 of this article shall be punishable by a fine or penalty of not less than $1 and not more than $600 for such offense, recoverable as such fines or penalties are by law recoverable; provided, however, that each period of 24 hours during which the prohibited conditions shall be allowed to continue shall constitute a new and separate offense hereunder.

See Lower Merion's code here.