Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
THE SNOW MUST GO ON
DOWNINGTOWN » Most Chester County residents stayed at home and off the roads, Monday, while watching the heavy snow, rain and sleet fall from inside, during the first big storm of 2021.
Many were already battling cabin fever, while staying in and taking classes and working virtually for yet another day, during almost year-long COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Jennifer Shealy, director of communications for the Downingtown Area School District, said that students learned remotely and were given some flexibility. While students were expected to log in and communicate
with a teacher, the district understood that conventional, non-pandemic, snow days are cherished.
“We anticipate that some students will play in the snow,” Shealy said.
DASD parents were able to declare a “mental health day,” with their kids allowed an excused absence.
From 3 p.m. Sunday, through 3 p.m. Wednesday, West Chester Mayor Dianne Herrin declared a state of emergency in the borough.
Residents were required to move parked vehicles from snow emergency routes and were able to park in the borough and West Chester University garages at no cost, which were near capacity Monday afternoon.
“People understand why we have to do this — to clear the streets for emergency vehicles,” Herrin said. “Overall it’s going pretty smoothly.
“We are satisfied with the cooperation of our residents so we may keep the roads clear for first responders.”
Borough police reported that almost 100 parking citations had been issued and the department expected that 20 cars would have to be towed, Monday.
Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick stayed busy during the three-day storm.
“Normally by now kids would be getting excited about the prospect of a snow day,” he said. “Unfortunately the last 11 months have been one long snow day.
“Staying home has gotten old and nothing will be cancelled because we do it all by Zoom. When I looked at my crazy full calendar for tomorrow I realized that not one thing would be cancelled if I can’t drive anywhere.”
PECO Vice President of Communications Myra Bergman said that additional crews from outside the area pitched in to keep the power on.
One hundred workers from the south mutually assisted local crews.
“We do the same for them,” Bergman said.
Melissa Batula, Deputy Secretary for PennDOT, said during a virtual press conference that the current weather pattern is the “most impactful statewide storm events we’ve had in a long time.”
She said PennDOT needs to keep goods moving while being cautious, and it will take time to clean off lanes and shoulders once the snow stops falling.
Randy Padfield, of PEMA, said during the same press conference that COVID-19 vaccine shipments were monitored, with troubleshooting
available, if needed, to make sure the vaccine was delivered.
West Chester Borough Police Public Information Officer Dave March said most were staying home and off the roads, with the department encouraging people to stay home.
West Goshen Police Lt. John DiMedio said no extra officers were assigned to work on Monday, and police concentrated on patrolling the roads.
The County Courthouse and Justice Center were
closed Monday. A decision on whether to again close the buildings would be announced at 6:15 a.m., today.
Chester County Deputy Director for Emergency Management Bill Turner also said most residents were listening to warnings to stay put.
“Don’t go out unless you absolutely have to,” Turner told residents.
Two additional staffers were called in to monitor and the 911 center was fully staffed.
Appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations scheduled
through the Chester County Health Department at the Government Services Center and the Kennett Square Red Clay Room were cancelled. Those scheduled at these locations will be notified of their rescheduled date and time. All testing appointments on Monday were also cancelled.
Monday, PennDOT reduced speed limits on Routes 202, 30, 1 and 422, to 45 m.p.h.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including colorcoded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-11, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.