Ready or not! Another winter storm hits the region today
The Delaware County Courthouse, Government Center and county offices will be closed Wednesday as another massive Nor’easter - this one packing lots of heavy, wet snow - bears down on the region.
This storm comes just days after a similar storm forced officials to declare a disaster emergency in the county, and before power has been restored to all those left in the dark by last Friday’s storm.
On Saturday Delaware County Council Chairman John McBlain issued a Declaration of Disaster Emergency for Delaware County in response to the damage caused by the Nor’easter on Friday, citing extensive damage to roads, bridges, homes and businesses as a result of heavy snow, high winds and fallen trees and debris across the county. By proclaiming a disaster, county council authorizes resources to help municipalities in the response and recovery efforts. The declaration remains in effect for seven days, until Saturday, March 10.
Power outages remain significant as a result of trees and power lines being down across the county with 9,800 Delaware County homes and businesses without power. Delaware County Council will continue to be in contact with the Director of Delaware County Emergency Services throughout the day.
“Although the forecast has varied throughout the day and depending on the forecast source, it appears there is a strong likelihood that the county could experience a storm during the day tomorrow that could bring 6 inches of snow,” McBlain said. “That storm may be at its peak during the afternoon rush hour. In addition, there is once again the forecast of high winds. Some forecasters warn that travelling during either rush hour tomorrow could be dangerous. Based on this information, county council and President Judge (Kevin) Kelly have decided to close the Delaware County Courthouse and Government Center and other county offices tomorrow.”
People are reminded to be careful about the use of generators and to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Council reminds residents to use generators safely. Those using standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to crews working on power lines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
Residents are reminded to unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to signal when power returns. Turn appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
Residents are directed to report downed trees that are blocking highways to 911. Power outages and downed lines should be reported to PECO at 800494-4000. People should only call 911 for emergencies. Further updates will be available on the website at www.co.delaware.pa.us. Residents can also call the general information number at 610-891-4000 or visit county council’s Facebook page for updates at www.Facebook.com/ Delaware County Council.
Jurors only can call the Jury Information Line at 610-891-4067. Residents are encouraged to register for DelcoAlert through the county website to get updated weather advisories.
Other Delco towns also are taking action.
Haverford Township announced it has declared a snow emergency starting at noon Wednesday through Thursday at 6 p.m.
“Due to approaching winter storm and the existing conditions from previous,” the township posted on its website. “This will assist in snow removal and the safe passage of emergency vehicles. The Emergency Declaration will end 6 p.m., Thursday, March 8, 2018, unless you receive further notification. All township buildings including the Library (Municipal Administration, Skatium, CREC, and Library) will be closed on Wednesday from 12 noon and will reopen on Friday, March 9th.”
Swarthmore Borough has announced Wednesday recycling collection is canceled.
Parkside Borough also announced it was enacting a snow emergency, meaning all cars must be removed from snow emergency routes.
The Delco Hi-Q championship between Haverford, Delco Christian and host Garnet Valley has been postponed until Thursday.
In Philadelphia, officials announced all public and parochial schools as well as municipal offices will be closed Wednesday due to the storm.
Managing Director Mike DiBerardinis says a “Snow Emergency” will go in effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday, meaning people will to have to move parked cars off a number of plowing routes.
Tens of thousands of people in the region remain without power after last week’s nor’easter. Officials say maintenance workers are still removing downed trees and other debris in Philadelphia.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced a State of Emergency for the entire state because of the storm.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says that as of midnight Tuesday, sections of interstate will ban multiple kinds of trailers. PennDOT is positioning plows and tow trucks in areas expected to see the worst conditions.