North Wales, Upper Gwynedd, Towamencin declare snow emergencies, beginning Saturday

As a major winter storm is forecast to impact southeastern Pennsylvania this weekend, Towamencin Township, Upper Gwynedd Township, and North Wales Borough have each declared snow emergencies, putting parking restrictions, travel advisories, and safety measures into effect.

Towamencin Township’s snow emergency runs from 10 p.m. Saturday through 10 p.m. Monday. 

Upper Gwynedd Township’s declaration begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, while North Wales Borough’s snow emergency takes effect at 8 p.m. Saturday, and will remain in effect until further notice.

All three municipalities emphasized the need to keep roadways clear for plowing and emergency access, urging residents to remove vehicles from streets and limit travel during the storm.

In Towamencin, residents are asked to remove all vehicles from roadways, even if they do not live on posted snow emergency routes. Parking on designated routes is prohibited and subject to citation and towing, with officials warning that parked vehicles severely hinder snow removal operations.

Upper Gwynedd Township issued similar guidance, stating that vehicles left on township streets during the snow emergency will be towed, and strongly discouraging non-essential travel due to expected hazardous conditions.

North Wales Borough announced that parking restrictions will be strictly enforced on posted snow emergency routes, including Main Street and Walnut Street, with vehicles subject to towing. The borough also enacted a temporary bicycle ban, prohibiting bicycle riding during the snow emergency for public safety. In addition, all borough-owned parks, playgrounds, pavilions, and open spaces are closed until the emergency declaration is lifted.

Safety guidance for residents

Officials across all three communities issued coordinated safety reminders:

• Remove trash cans, recycling bins, basketball hoops, and other obstructions from curb lines
• Do not shovel or plow snow into roadways, which is prohibited by ordinance
• Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends
• Maintain clearance around fire hydrants and keep them visible
• Fully clear vehicles of snow and ice before driving
• Avoid unnecessary travel and do not follow or pass snowplows
• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need assistance
• Secure mailboxes that may be vulnerable during plowing operations

North Wales officials also reminded residents not to call 911 for power outages, directing residents to contact PECO instead, and to call 911 only for downed wires, which should always be assumed to be live.

Municipal leaders stressed that snow removal follows priority routes first, with secondary and residential streets addressed as conditions allow. Residents are encouraged to monitor official township and borough communication channels for updates throughout the storm and to call 911 in the event of an emergency.

More snow emergency declarations are expected as the storm system moves closer to the region. 

Stay with NorthPennNow throughout the weekend for live storm coverage and major events.