Winter Storm Targets Marple, Newtown: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

MARPLE-NEWTOWN, 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.

Here are five things to know ahead of the storm:

1. FORECAST: According to the Weather Channel, Broomall and Newtown Square will see 1 to 3 inches of snow Saturday night, while Sunday will see 9 to 15 more inches of snow and ice through the day and night, with winds up to 20 miles per hour. Chances of snow persist into Monday morning. The National Weather Service said the last time at least 12 inches of snow in one day in Philadelphia was January 23, 2016, when 19.6 inches of snow fell.

2. SNOW EMERGENCIES: Marple Township has declared a snow emergency effective at 6 p.m. Full details on the snow emergency can be found here.

3. POWER OUTAGES: Power outages are also 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.

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

5. LOCAL SNOW REMOVAL RULES: Below are details on Newtown's snow and ice removal laws:

• Requirements; failure to comply; costs.
  • A. The owner, occupant or tenant of every property abutting or fronting upon or alongside of any of the streets in the Township is hereby required to remove or cause to be removed from all of the sidewalks in front of or alongside such property all snow or ice thereon fallen or formed within 24 hours after the same has ceased to fall or to form, as herein set forth. The following shall be responsible for conforming to the requirements of this section:(1) The owner where such property is occupied by such owner, in whole or in part, or is unoccupied or is vacant. (2) The owner or tenant or occupant thereof, where such property is occupied by such tenant or occupant only. (3) The owner thereof, where the property is a multiple-business or multiple-dwelling property occupied by more than one tenant or occupant.
  • B. For the purposes of this article, it shall be sufficient for a sidewalk to be cleared for a path having a width of two feet.
  • C. In any case where any owner, occupant or tenant fails, neglects or refuses to comply with any of the provisions of Subsections A and B within the time limit prescribed therein, the Township, by its proper officials, may proceed immediately to clear all snow and/or ice from the sidewalk of such delinquents and to collect the costs and expenses thereof, with any additional amount allowed by law, from such owner, occupant or tenant, as the case may be, which sum shall be in addition to any fine or penalty imposed under § 145-13.
• Violations and penalties. Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this article shall, upon conviction, be punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, plus costs of prosecution, and, in default of payment of such fine and costs, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding 30 days. Each day that a violation continues shall be considered as a separate violation and punishable as such. Such fine and costs of prosecution shall be in addition to any costs and expenses and additional amounts authorized by law which are imposed as provided in § 145-12C.

You can review the entire Newtown code online here.

Newtown officials also encourage resident to use alternatives to traditional ice salt. Learn more about salt alternatives here.

Here are the rules Marple residents and establishments must follow when it comes to snow and ice removal:

• The owner, occupant or tenant of every property fronting upon or alongside any of the streets in the Township of Marple is hereby required to remove or cause to be removed from all of the sidewalks in front of or alongside such property all snow or ice thereon fallen or formed within 12 hours after the same shall have ceased to fall or to form. The owner of a property shall be responsible for conforming to the requirements of this section where such property is occupied by such owner or is unoccupied; the owner or tenant or occupier thereof where such property is occupied by such tenant or occupier only; and the owner thereof where the property is a multiple-business or multiple-dwelling property occupied by more than one tenant or occupier. It shall also be unlawful to cast or dump plowed snow or ice upon a public street.
• Noncompliance procedure. In any case where the owner, occupant or tenant, as aforesaid, shall fail, neglect or refuse to comply with any of the provisions of § 261-32 of this article within the time limit prescribed therein, the Township authorities may proceed immediately to clear all snow and/or ice from the sidewalk of such delinquents and to collect the expenses thereof, with any additional amount allowed by law, from such owner, occupant or tenant, as the case may be, which may be in addition to any fine or penalty imposed under § 231-34 of this article.
• Violations and penalties. Any owner, occupant or tenant violating any of the provisions of § 261-32 of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs of prosecution, and in default of payment of such fine and costs by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, provided that such fine and costs of prosecution may be in addition to any expenses and additional amounts authorized by law, imposed as provided in § 261-33 of this article.
• Width of path. For the purposes of this article, it shall be sufficient for a sidewalk to be cleared for a path having a width of three feet.

You can review the entire township code online here.