Lansdale Prepares For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

LANSDALE, PA — Officials in the greater Lansdale area are preparing for what could be the most impactful snowstorm in the region in years.

Forecasters say they currently expect a minimum of 10 inches of snow beginning Saturday night, but there is a possibility for some parts of the Philadelphia area to get 24 inches or more, which would place the storm among the most severe in history.

A snow emergency has been declared for the borough beginning at noon on Sunday.

Residents should move their vehicles from emergency routes. Free parking will be available at the SEPTA garage through Tuesday, Jan. 27. Free parking will also be available at borough parks, including White’s Road Park, Fourth Street Park, Stony Creek Park, Memorial Park, and Schweiker Park.

Borough officials, along with emergency services around Montgomery County, have been preparing plows and salt trucks to work on the roads once the storm begins. However, the snow is expected to be significant enough that travel is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Montgomery County has a vast network of roadways that will take some time to clear, even once the storm ceases.

"Stay off the roads until they're plowed if you can," State Sen. Maria Collett said.

The major storm comes on the heels of resident frustration over how Lansdale handled plowing from the smaller snowfall last weekend.

"Winter storms bring a lot of questions about plowing, salting and road conditions, and we want you to know our Public Works crews actively monitor conditions and adjust tactics throughout each event," the borough said in a statement this week.

Many residents were confused over the plan to leave slush on the roads, which borough officials said was part of their strategy to prevent black ice.

"What may look like a lack of action is often a deliberate approach to prevent refreezing and reduce the risk of black ice," the borough added. "Please remember that slushy roads do not mean nothing is being done. In many cases, that slush is part of the strategy to prevent dangerous refreezing and keep roads safer for everyone. Your patience and cooperation during winter weather is greatly appreciated.

Local municipalities are expected to declare snow emergencies, as they do any time more than a few inches of snow are predicted to fall. Emergencies will likely be declared in the hours before the storm arrives Saturday night. That means there will be restrictions where residents can park their vehicles, and they should be moved before the storm begins.

Emergency routes are typically plowed first. In Lansdale, emergency routes include Blaine Street (between Broad Street and High Street), Broad Street, Chestnut Street, Church Road, Columbia Avenue, Delaware Avenue (between Susquehanna Avenue and Valley Forge Road), Elm Drive, Fairview Avenue, Forest Avenue, Franklin Street, Gillinder Street, High Street, Highland Road, Iron Street, Kenilworth Avenue (between Eighth Street and Fifth Street), Lansdale Avenue, Line Street, Locust Street, Main Street, Ninth Street, Oak Drive, Park Drive, Penn Street (between Chestnut Street and Line Street), Pennbrook Avenue (between Hancock Avenue and Wissahickon Avenue), Ridge Street, Saint Elmo (between Vine Street and Lincoln Avenue), West Second Street (between Valley Forge Road and Richardson Avenue), Seventh Street (except between Ridge Street and Line Street), Sixth Street (between Walnut Street and Pacific Avenue), West Sixth Street (between Cannon Avenue and Maple Avenue), Third Street (between Walnut Street and Crestview Road), West Third Street (between Edgemont Avenue and Cannon Avenue), North Valley Forge Road, Vine Street, Webster Avenue, South Wood Street (from West Main Street to Vine Street), and York Avenue (between Green Street and Valley Forge Road). See details on Lansdale emergency routes here.

In Hatfield, those roads include Forty Foot Road, North Broad Street, County Line Road, Orvilla Road, Cowpath Road (from Line Street to Hatfield Borough line), Welsh Road (Route 63), and Bethlehem Pike (Route 309).

In Montgomery Township, that includes Meadow Glen Road, Glen Road, Shady Lane, Woodland Drive, Bonnie Lane, Bridle Path Road, Holly Drive, Holly Circle, Vilsmeier Road, Meadowood Drive, Rosewood Drive, Hawthorne Drive, Rose Lane, Village Drive, Park Drive, Harbob Lane, Hawthorne Circle, Commerce Drive, Keystone Drive, Domorah Drive, Enterprise Road, Enclave Boulevard, Wentworth Drive, Manor Drive, Davis Drive, Regency Drive, Summer Ridge Drive, Rose Twig Lane, Country Club Drive, McLaughlin Road, Pine Crest Lane, Orchard Drive, Bellows Way, Bell Run Boulevard, Canterbury Lane, Chatham Place, Claremont Drive, Claremont Drive, Grays Lane, Knapp Road, Lower State Road, Lower State Road, Montgomery Glen Drive, North Wales Road, Richardson Road, Stump Road, and Tree Line Drive. For more details on Montgomery Township's emergency snow routes, see here.

Collett's office also advised the public to stock up on certain supplies, like bottled water, nonperishable food, can openers, blankets, pet foods, and medications.

Power outages are possible. Have a plan for what you plan to eat and how to stay warm if you lose electricity.

If you do experience an outage, don't call 911, but report the outage to PECO.

Individuals in need of shelter can call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211.

All residents are advised to sign up for "ReadyMontco" alerts, if they have not done so already.

Police are are also warning residents not to reserve parking spaces using chairs, cones, or other items. It is illegal, and officers will cite residents.

It is also illegal to deposit snow from sidewalks into the street, officials added. Residents should check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.

Residents should shovel sidewalks in front of their property within 24 hours, and should endeavor to keep fire hydrants and mailboxes clear and accessible.

Another danger once the snow stops is ice, as temperatures will drop into the teens and roads and walkways could freeze. Residents are urged to exercise caution when they go out.

Snow could continue into Monday, forecasters said.