WEST CHESTER, PA — Multiple municipalities across Chester County declared snow emergencies as a winter storm forecast to bring 11 to 17 inches of snow moved into the region, prompting travel restrictions and parking bans.
As of Sunday morning, boroughs and townships throughout the county activated emergency protocols to allow plows to clear roads curb-to-curb and coordinate storm response.
East Bradford Township declared a snow emergency in effect from 6:00 p.m. February 21 through 6:00 p.m. February 24.
Downingtown Borough’s emergency took effect Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and remains in place until further notice, with vehicles required to be moved from emergency routes within one hour of the start time.
Phoenixville Borough declared its emergency effective Sunday at 10:00 a.m. until lifted. Church Street is included among the designated snow emergency routes.
West Chester Borough declared a snow emergency effective Sunday at 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24. The borough is offering free parking in municipal garages, excluding the Justice Center, during the emergency period.
Parkesburg Borough’s snow emergency took effect at noon Sunday. Spring City Borough activated its emergency at 8:00 a.m. Sunday until further notice.
West Pottsgrove Township declared an emergency beginning February 21 in anticipation of the storm’s arrival early today.
Officials across municipalities stated that vehicles left on designated snow emergency routes may be ticketed or towed.
The Chester County Board of Commissioners has a Local Disaster Emergency declaration in place countywide to assist with emergency management and resource coordination.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Chester County from 7:00 a.m. Sunday through 6:00 p.m. Monday. Forecasters from the National Weather Service and AccuWeather project widespread snowfall totals between 11 and 17 inches, with some areas closer to the Philadelphia corridor possibly seeing 8 to 12 inches and isolated higher totals approaching 24 inches.
Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour during peak intensity Sunday night into Monday morning. Winds are expected to gust between 40 and 45 mph, potentially creating blowing and drifting snow and periods of near-whiteout conditions.
Precipitation may begin as rain or a wintry mix before transitioning to steady snow Sunday afternoon and evening. The storm is forecast to taper off from west to east by Monday evening.
PennDOT may impose speed or vehicle restrictions on major roadways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike and U.S. Route 30, as conditions deteriorate. SEPTA may suspend Regional Rail and select bus services during heavy snowfall.
Residents are required to clear sidewalks to at least three feet in width after the storm ends. Officials encourage residents to monitor ReadyChesco for real-time alerts tailored to specific municipalities.
For Chester County residents, the widespread emergency declarations signal significant impacts to travel, parking, and daily routines through at least Monday evening.
Stay ahead of the storm with real-time radar, snowfall totals, and forecast updates at the MyChesCo Weather Center. Before you head out, check the MyChesCo Traffic Center for live road conditions, closures, and travel alerts across Chester County.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.