ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With a powerful winter storm expected to bring well over a foot of snow from Sunday into Monday, Allentown has declared a snow emergency.
The snow emergency will go into effect at 7 a.m. Saturday, and full enforcement will begin at 11 a.m., Mayor Matt Tuerk announced Thursday.
City officials say the declaration is aimed at supporting snow removal operations and ensuring public safety as the storm approaches.
About 30 streets are designated as snow emergency routes, and vehicles parked on those streets must be moved once the emergency takes effect.Allentown city ordinance
The enforcement period will give police time to ensure snow emergency routes are clear before snow starts falling.
Under city ordinance, about 30 streets are designated as snow emergency routes, and vehicles parked on those streets must be moved once the emergency takes effect.
Cars left on those routes are subject to ticketing and towing, officials said.
To assist residents, the Government Parking Deck at 401 Hamilton St. will open for free parking starting at midnight Saturday.
All city parking decks will be free beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Cars not removed from snow emergency routes will be towed, officials said.
Allentown Parking Authority, along with Allentown police and Ross Towing, will enforce the parking restrictions.
Snow Removal Plan
City officials say the top priority during the storm is keeping roads passable for emergency vehicles.
Snow removal will occur in phases:
- Snow emergency routes and primary roadways
- Secondary streets
- Alleys
- Parking lots, parks, trails and other public spaces
Beginning Saturday, crews will operate on two 12-hour shifts indefinitely until all roadways are reopened. About 50 trucks will be deployed to cover 420 miles of roadway in the city, officials said.
Officials cautioned that residents may still see snow or ice on streets even after plows have passed, particularly on secondary streets and alleys.
An “open” street, the city noted, means vehicles can pass safely, not that pavement is fully clear.
Crews already are pre-treating roads with salt brine, inspecting equipment and staging trucks in advance of the storm, the mayor said.
Additional Impacts
City officials are urging residents to prepare for several weather-related disruptions:
- Trash and recycling collection for Sunday and Monday is canceled
- Residents are asked to stay off the roads unless travel is necessary
- Do not throw snow into streets; it can create hazards and interfere with plowing
- Snow-clearing operations may take several days because of the storm’s expected severity
Residents can call the city’s snow hotline at (610) 437-7669 for updates. Additional information will be posted on the city website, allentownpa.gov, and through official social media channels.
Salisbury Township also declares emergency
Nearby Salisbury Township also declared a snow emergency, effective from 12 a.m. Sunday through 12 p.m. Monday.
Township officials cited the same winter storm threat and urged residents to monitor local updates and limit travel.
More information is available on the township website at salisburylehighpa.gov.
Officials across the region are urging patience and caution as crews work through what could be one of the most significant winter storms in years.
Snow emergency declarations are expected in many municipalities. Bethlehem, Catasauqua, Emmaus and other areas declared a snow emergency Friday.
In a Facebook post Thursday, Easton reminded residents of its snow emergency routes from College Hill through the downtown, South Side and West Ward.
If cars aren’t moved, plows can't clear the full width of the street, creating hazards for traffic, the post said.
The city also asked residents and business owners to shovel out fire hydrants on their street or near their property, which can save significant time in an emergency.
