Updated at 2:35 p.m. with Longwood Gardens' closing
The National Weather Service (NWS) has upgraded its forecast for southeastern Pennsylvania to a blizzard warning from Friday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m., into Sunday morning, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m.
The blizzard warning, which includes Delaware and Chester counties, means a potential exists for severe winter weather, including falling and blowing snow, strong winds, and whiteout conditions that will make travel dangerous.
A total accumulation of 12 to 18 inches is predicted in the region, where snow will begin moving from south to north late Friday afternoon, intensifying after the evening commute. It will continue, heavy at times, into Sunday morning.
The strongest winds and greatest potential for blizzard conditions are expected on Saturday, Jan. 23, with gusts up to 45 mph. Temperatures are likely to stay in the upper 20s.
The snow will become wetter and heavier as the storm progresses, which could make shoveling problematic and could cause power outages as heavy snow builds up on wires and trees.
Many communities have already declared a state of emergency, which often prohibits parking on designated streets so snowplows can ensure that roads are cleared. Those who don’t comply could find their vehicles towed.
In Kennett Square, where the emergency restrictions kick in at 8 p.m. on Friday night, residents are urged to park for free in the Municipal Parking Garage.
Kennett Township officials are reminding residents that no cars should be parked on township or state roads. Since the township is prone to power outages, which may leave residents with wells without water, officials recommend filling bathtubs in advance of the storm and keeping water jugs and flashlights with extra batteries handy. If possible, keep a trickle of running water to prevent the pipes from freezing, and keep generators away from doors, windows and vents so no carbon monoxide comes indoors.
Kennett Township will be sending out periodic updates by email and Facebook postings. If Kennett Township declares a township-wide emergency, residents will be notified and only emergency personnel will be permitted on the roads. If necessary, shelters will be opened.
Organizers of the Unionville Used Book Sale said the Neighborhood Collection Day planned for Saturday, Jan. 23, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30. In addition, collection boxes will be available at all school starting on Monday, Jan. 25.
Longwood Gardens announced that it will close on Saturday, Jan. 23, and reopen at noon on Sunday, Jan. 24.
Emergency officials throughout the region are advising people that if they absolutely need to travel, they should make sure they have a winter survival kit with them. The kit should contain items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families have such as baby supplies, extra medication and pet supplies.
In addition, power outages should be reported to PECO, not 9-1-1.
PECO officials say they have geared up for the storm with extra personnel and equipment. Residents are reminded to report power outages immediately at peco.com; on PECO Smart Mobile On-the-Go, the company’s mobile website; or by calling 800-841-4141. Customers should report any natural gas issues by calling 1-800-841-4141.
Stay away from downed wires, damaged electric equipment, and tree limbs and branches contacting electrical equipment. Always assume PECO’s equipment is energized, even if there is an outage in your neighborhood. Report such dangerous conditions to PECO immediately at 800-841-4141. More safety and storm preparation tips are available at peco.com/safety.
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