As Snow Approaches, Code Blue Declared in Montgomery County

Temperatures are about to undergo a massive drop in the Montgomery County area, plummeting from the 60s and straight down to below freezing.

The county has declared a Code Blue Weather Emergency in response, effective from 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 through noon on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Anywhere from six to ten inches of snow could fall in the county beginning in the overnight hours.

Code Blue is declared when the wind chill is expected to dip below 20 degrees and the conditions "pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter."

Several nearby communities have declared snow alerts or emergencies, including Abington, Royersford, Hatboro, Norristown, Lower Providence, and Lansdale, among others.

This is the fourth Code Blue of the season for Montgomery County.

Residents of Montgomery County who need shelter during a Code Blue can go to the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC) in Building 53 at the Norristown State Hospital grounds. If needed, transportation will be provided. The CHOC is a 50-bed shelter for single residents. The phone number for the CHOC is 610-292-9244. Families are sheltered at the Salvation Army in Norristown or Pottstown.

Related Resources, courtesy of Montgomery County:

• Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC)
• Emergency Preparedness and Response - Winter Weather (CDC)
• National Weather Service - Winter Safety
• The Salvation Army of Norristown
• The Salvation Army of Pottstown

Patch file photo