Limerick, Royersford Prepare For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, Cancellations

LIMERICK, PA — Officials in the Royersford and Limerick areas are preparing for what could be the most impactful snowstorm in the region in years.

Forecasters expect anywhere from 12 to 18 inches of snow from late Saturday night through Monday morning, which would place the storm among the most severe in recent history.

Related: PA Snow Totals Up In Latest Weekend Storm Forecast

"Let's also remember to be kind to each other, check on your neighbors!" Royersford Mayor Alex Metricarti shared. "Sounds like there is still uncertainty as to how much ice we could get with this storm, so power outages are not out of the question."

Royersford has already declared a snow emergency alert beginning 6 p.m. Saturday. Spring City has also declared an emergency beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Limerick Township says that their highway crew has already prepped all their snow and ice equipment. Salting will begin once the snow starts, and once accumulations pass three inches, plowing operations will begin.

"The roads WILL be snow covered throughout the storm. Once the storm begins to pull away, we will begin push-back operations (curb to curb) our goal is to have everything cleared within 18 to 24 hours after the storm," the township said.

In Royersford, vehicles must be moved from off the following routes:

• 5th Ave from the Limerick township line to Green Street, no parking on the west side (odd numbered side)
• Lewis Road within borough limits, no parking on either side of the road
• 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)
• North Sixth Avenue
• Elm Street
• Pine Street

In Spring City, emergency routes include:

• Yost Avenue North Side
• Broad Street
• Hall Street 100 Block odd side Opposite Fire Company Side)
• Main Street odd side (Hardware Street side)
• Washington Street
• Poplar Street Area near Highview Garden Apartments as posted
• Chestnut Street odd side
• Washington Street
• Walnut Street
• Pikeland Avenue

Across Montgomery County, emergency services are 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.

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.

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.

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.