Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
BACK TO NORMAL AFTER THE STORM
WEST CHESTER » Amid a threeday snowstorm was there ever a question that groundhog Punxsutawney Phil would see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter?
As Chester Countians dig out from about a foot dump of the white stuff, AccuWeather predicted a break from precipitation for Wednesday and Thursday, before our next storm, which will likely bring rain on Friday. Some computer models point to the potential of another coastal storm affecting the county Sunday into Monday, with the potential for snow.
West Chester Police Chief Jim Morehead called the snow, ice and rain event an “odd” and “blockbuster” storm.
Eighty-one citations for parking were issued and 44 cars were towed from snow emergency routes. Morehead said those numbers were down significantly from previous storms due to social media announcements and broadcasts on loud speakers along borough streets of Mayor Dianne Herrin’s snow emergency declaration.
From Sunday at the start of the storm, until late morning Tuesday, police responded to three traffic accidents, with no injuries, and two disabled vehicles.
“We had a lot of cooperation from the public,” Morehead said. “It was a testament to people staying home.”
Morehead noted that many of the towed vehicles were removed from Walnut and High streets where it is important to plow close to the curb to allow for ambulances and fire trucks to safely navigate.
West Chester officers patrolled the streets more than usual, rather than responding from the station and “fire housing,” which helped to reduce response times.
During the three-day storm, City of Coatesville Police Department Sgt. Rodger Ollis reported that call volume was the same as usual. There were two automobile crashes. One was reportable and the other was not.
During what he called a “long lasting and challenging for everybody” storm, Ollis said that officers are often tasked with digging out their personal vehicle, digging out the patrol car and then again shoveling out their personal vehicle at the end of a shift.
But the shoveling doesn’t end there. Ollis acknowledged that parking can be stressful even without snow and during a storm cops also help out some residents with shoveling.
“We balance enforcement with relationship building,” he said.
Downingtown Borough Police Department Chief Howard Holland pitched in and spent a couple of hours plowing the municipal complex. He spelled borough employees who worked 16hour shifts.
“It’s nothing new for us to help out the public works department,” the Chief said. “We’re all working hard to accomplish the mission.”
A seven-member crew cleared the streets in New Garden Township. Ramsey Reiner, township manager, said seven employees worked tirelessly aroundthe-clock in the 16- square mile township with about 12,000 residents.
Staff worked until midnight, took a break, and then were back at it by 4 a.m., Tuesday.
“They do so much and get the least amount of credit,” Reiner said about the staff. “They haven’t seen their families in a couple of days.”
Forty-five m.p.h. speed limits were lifted Tuesday morning for the Route 30 Bypass, Route 422, Route 1, Route 202, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Route 100 Spur.
Kevin Campbell, West Chester Area School District Director of Facilities and Operations said on Tuesday that a storm of this duration presents many challenges.
“No matter what the conditions are, we have to be able to open schools the next day if we are asked to do so,” Campbell said. “We have to pay a lot of attention to timing - knowing when to give plow crews a rest and when to bring in staff to shovel.
“We have a job to do, but we must keep their safety in mind. Many of our employees travel over 30 miles to get to the schools.
“Our success is based on the teamwork of the staff and their dedication to our students and staff’s safety. The men and women of the department work tirelessly to get the job done. They never disappoint.”
WCASD Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon makes the final call on whether or not to open schools.
“There are two reasons for calling a traditional snow day,” Scanlon said. “The first is obviously the forecast with potential power outages.
“Students can’t access online lessons without power. Also, with the advancement of technology, traditional snow days will one day be a thing of the past. I consider this a transition year toward that.”
Chester County Deputy Director for Emergency Management Bill Turner said that except for the usual uptick at the start of a snowstorm when residents rush home, the number of 911 calls since Sunday has been normal.
“Everybody just hunkered down, stayed home and stayed off the roads,” he said.
Said Hugh Lofting, West Marlborough roadmaster: “We just plow the same roads over and over again. Even the dirt roads have been plowed a few times. A few places have even drifted.”
Herrin was pleased with the response.
“We thank the residents of our community for working with the borough during the storm,” she said. “Now go out and enjoy the snow.”