Area bracing for foot of snow or more as winter storm approaches

SHENANDOAH – Shenandoah Borough is preparing for a scene like the one attached in 2017 as the National Weather Service at State College is expecting more than a foot of snow in the heart of the anthracite.

“In addition to plowing and salting operations, the Borough has developed a plan to remove accumulated snow using loaders and dump trucks once plowing operations are complete,” Borough Manager Mike Cadau said in a statement. “Residents are also reminded that property owners are responsible for clearing and treating sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Sidewalks must be shoveled and salted in a timely manner and within 24 hours after the storm to help prevent slips, trips, and falls and to ensure safe passage for pedestrians and emergency responders.”

Council and borough officials held an emergency meeting Thursday morning to devise a plan for the incoming snowfall.

“Borough officials, Public Works, Police, and emergency responders are prepared and will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the storm,” Cadau said.

He said Mayor Bob Cook will issue a snow emergency later today and Council President Joe Boris will issue a Local Disaster Emergency Declaration.

Garbage collection will also suspended Monday and Tuesday, “depending upon the amount of snowfall and road conditions.”

What’s Expected?

The National Weather Service at State College issued a Winter Storm Warning for Schuylkill, Northumberland, and Columbia counties, expecting 12″ to 18″ of snow for much of our area.

An equivalent warning was issued for Luzerne County by the National Weather Service at Binghamton.

Low temperatures are also expected to be a concern.

Preparation Tips

Local and state leaders offered safety and preparation tips ahead of the snow storm.

“The best time to protect yourself and your family is before the snow begins,” said Randy Padfield, Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). “We encourage everyone to check the forecast often, adjust travel plans if needed, and to stock up on basic supplies like food, water, and medications, and make sure phones are charged and emergency kits are ready. Taking these simple steps ahead of time can reduce stress and prevent emergencies once the storm begins.”

“Residents are encouraged to keep an emergency kit inside their home that includes basic necessities such as drinking water, blankets, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, essential medications, and fully charged cell phones, as well as any other items that may be needed during an emergency,” Cadau said.

Municipal Notices

West Mahanoy Township

Ashes will not be picked up Monday, Jan. 26 in West Mahanoy Township due to the snowstorm.

The township asks residents not to put them out until after the storm and a notification will be made when they will be picked up.

Mahanoy City

Mahanoy City has issued a snow parking ban for Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10pm through Monday, Jan. 26 at 6pm.

No parking is permitted on Centre, Main, Liberty Hill, or South streets.

Vehicles not removed will be ticketed and towed.

“Just because it may not be snowing or the storm is over it allows PennDOT time to plow curb to curb,” the Mahanoy City Police Department said in a statement.

Ashland

Ashland declared a snow emergency for Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10pm through Monday, Jan. 26 at noon.

During the snow emergency, parking will be prohibited on Hoffman Boulevard from Brock Street to Centre Street and also on Centre Street from Front Street to 23rd Street.

Any vehicles that are not moved will be ticketed with a fine of $50 and towed away at the owner’s expense.

Girardville

Girardville says their streets department will work throughout the storm to keep roads open for emergency vehicles and residents travelling to work.

Residents are asked to move their vehicles off the streets to allow crews to properly clear the roadways and says vehicles left behind may become buried in snow.

Monday or Tuesday, tri-axle trucks will be brought in to remove snow curb-to-curb.

In the meantime, you can park in the lot behind the Girardville Post Office or next to the basketball courts.

You cannot park in the gravel lot across from Borough Hall — that’s where the snow will go.

During the storm, there should be NO vehicles parked on the EVEN side of the following streets:

• Ogden Street
• A Street
• B Street

Frackville

Frackville has declared a snow emergency for the impending snowstorm. It will go into effect at 8pm Saturday, Jan. 24 and end at 8am Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Parking will be prohibited on the entire length of Lehigh Avenue and Oak Streets.

Any vehicles remaining on the snow emergency route after 8pm Saturday, Jan. 24, will be ticketed and towed.

Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel issued a weather emergency for Saturday, Jan. 24 at 6pm until Monday, Jan. 26 at noon.

All residents are asked to use extreme caution in the snowfall.

Drivers are asked to park as close to the curb as possible to allow for the passage of emergency vehicles.

Conyngham

Conyngham Borough issued a snow parking ban effective Saturday, Jan. 24 at 6pm for the duration of the winter weather event.

Drivers are prohibited from parking on Main Street during the snow emergency, according to Conyngham Police.

Vehicles parked there will be towed and ticketed at a cost of $50 for the first offense and $100 for any subsequent offense, plus costs.

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