Editor’s Note: This is The Post’s occasional “Storm Watch” compilation of winter weather activity, event cancellations, and other items our readers may want to know when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. It’s being updated periodically, and will end when the storm does.
‘Winter Storm Warning’ Posted Saturday Afternoon
POTTSTOWN PA – Slightly less snow than originally forecast is now expected by the National Weather Service in the Greater Pottstown area on Sunday (Jan. 19, 2025). However, the service has updated its winter storm watch to a higher level, a storm warning.
It also reports inclement conditions may last hours longer, until Monday morning at 1 a.m. rather than subside Sunday night by 11 p.m.
The weather service updated its early Saturday morning “watch” notice to that of a “warning” at 2:49 p.m. The storm remains likely to affect all of Berks and Chester counties, as well as Lehigh and Upper Bucks. However, its focus in Montgomery County is now limited to only the western half, according to newest predictions.
The boroughs of Pottstown, Collegeville, Reading, and West Chester remain in the warning zone. So too do Chalfont, Kennett Square, Honey Brook, Oxford, Allentown, and Perkasie. Norristown and Lansdale have dropped off the list.
The weather service continues to indicate heavy snow accumulations are on the way to its designated portions of east-central and southeast Pennsylvania. The window of storm activity is now anticipated from Sunday at 7 a.m. through Monday at 1 a.m.
Icy, Slippery Conditions to Persist
Its cautions also remain. “Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult,” it adds. Temperatures are “expected to fall into the teens Sunday night and remain below freezing for several days,” it warns. The result: “icy and slippery conditions may persist even after precipitation has ended.”
For those who must travel, the service urges drivers to call 5-1-1 to learn of latest road conditions before heading out. It additionally recommends drivers “keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”
2020 photo by Travels With The Post
Municipalities Declare Snow, Ice Emergencies
The following municipalities have issued declarations of snow and/or ice emergencies, as allowed under their existing laws.
- In Lower Salford Township, its snow and ice emergency is scheduled to run from Sunday at 11 a.m. through Monday at 6 a.m. During that period it specifies “all snow emergency routes are to be kept clear of parked or unattended vehicles … so that roads can be cleared.” Vehicles left parked or or abandoned on a snow emergency route may be towed and impounded, the township adds.
- Others will be added as The Post is notified.
‘Winter Storm Watch’ Issued Saturday Morning
POTTSTOWN PA – Snow accumulation of between 5 and 8 inches is expected in the Greater Pottstown area “from Sunday morning through Sunday evening” (Jan. 19, 2025), according to a winter storm watch declared by the National Weather Service.
All of Montgomery, Berks, and Chester counties is forecast to be hit by a storm that could bring heavy snow and strong winds, according to the service’s “winter weather message.” It specifically included the boroughs of Pottstown, Collegeville, Norristown, West Chester, and Reading.
Snow is likely to arrive Sunday at about 11 a.m., the service suggests, and “could be heavy at times.” It estimated the chance of precipitation at 90%. During the day, north winds are likely to blow at between 5 and 10 miles per hour (mph), with high temperatures near only 32 degrees.
Anticipated Storm Impacts
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” it indicated. “Strong winds, and (the) weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel could be very difficult,” it added.
Chances of snow continue Sunday night, mainly before 10 p.m., it adds. The chance of precipitation is about 40%, with “new snow accumulation of around an inch possible.” Skies will be “cloudy during the early evening, then (gradually) clearing.” Low temperatures could fall to around 14 degrees, accompanied by northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph.
The message was issued Saturday at 3:40 a.m. by the service’s Mount Holly NJ office, which covers southeastern Pennsylvania. Also anticipated to be affected by the storm, it said, are Lehigh and upper Bucks counties; and the municipalities of Honey Brook, Chalfont, Allentown, Perkasie, Kennett Square, Oxford, and Lansdale.
Editor’s Note: This is The Post’s occasional “Storm Watch” compilation of storm-related activity, event cancellations, and other items our readers may want to know. It will be updated periodically as we receive relevant reports. It will end when the storm does.
2021 photo in Lancaster County by Travels With The Post
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