Snow emergency declared in Montgomery Township, starting Saturday night, as weekend storm approaches

Montgomery Township has declared a Snow Emergency, effective 8 p.m. Saturday, as a major winter storm is forecast to impact the region through Monday.

Township officials said the declaration allows police and public works crews to protect public safety and keep roadways passable during hazardous conditions. The snow emergency will remain in effect until further notice, according to the township.

Once a snow emergency is declared, all designated snow emergency routes must be kept clear of parked or unattended vehicles, so plows can operate safely. Any vehicle left on a snow emergency route during the declaration may be ticketed or towed, police said.

How Montgomery Township clears roads

According to its website, the Montgomery Township Public Works Department said storm preparedness is a year-round priority, with salt and snow removal materials typically stocked months in advance of winter.

During active snowfall, crews focus first on priority roads, which include major thoroughfares used by emergency responders and school buses. As long as snow continues to fall, plows repeatedly service these main roads to keep them open and passable. Residential streets are addressed after priority routes are cleared, with cul-de-sacs typically plowed last due to lower traffic volume.

State-maintained roads are cleared by PennDOT, though township plows may assist while traveling those routes. Residents can check which roads are state-maintained through township resources.

Salting, plowing, and cold weather limits

Officials reminded residents that snow operations involve two phases: salting and plowing. Salt is applied to major roads when precipitation begins to freeze, but its effectiveness decreases as temperatures fall. Once pavement temperatures drop below approximately 20 degrees, salt becomes largely ineffective.

When snowfall accumulates to plowable depths, salting operations pause while crews focus on clearing snow. After plowing is complete, salt is reapplied to address icy conditions.

Reminders for residents

Township officials asked residents to:

• Park vehicles in driveways rather than on streets during snow events
• Keep basketball backstops, trash containers, and other items out of the township right-of-way
• Avoid shoveling or blowing snow back into roadways
• Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall, as required by ordinance
• Clear snow around fire hydrants on private property

Residents were also encouraged to check on family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance during severe winter weather.

Emergency contacts

• Emergency: 911
• Public Works: 215-855-0510
• Police (non-emergency): 215-362-2301
• Fire Services: 215-393-6936

Officials asked residents to call only for urgent matters, noting that diverting snow removal crews slows overall cleanup operations.

A full list of Montgomery Township snow emergency routes is available through the township. 

Additional snow emergency declarations are expected across the region as the storm approaches.

Stay with NorthPennNow throughout the weekend as we continue to update the public with snow emergencies and live storm coverage on Sunday.