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Weather Journal: Some Schools Plan Tuesday Closures

Weather Journal: Some Schools Plan Tuesday Closures

January 23, 2026

POTTSTOWN PA – Travels With The Post followed developments involving a weekend (Saturday through Monday, Jan. 24-26, 2026) winter storm and its aftermath. In this Weather Journal, which ended Tuesday (Jan. 27), readers found a collection of news items covering the storm’s local impact.

Entries are in reverse-dated order, with the most recent item at top.

School Districts Issue Weather Updates | Updated Monday at 5 p.m.

Record Cold Likely to Affect Cost of Natural Gas | Monday at 11:04 a.m.

A Pottstown Example of ‘Extra’ Customer Service | Sunday at 9:40 p.m.

Met-Ed Incident Center Already in Operation | Sunday at 10:36 a.m.

PECO Energy Ready to Deal With Power Outages | Sunday at 8:02 a.m.

Interstates and Other Highways Restricted Sunday | Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Closures, Cancellations, Delays, and Changes | Updated Tuesday at 8:46 p.m.

Salt Shortage Changes Road Operations In Collegeville | Saturday at 10:18 a.m.

PA Disaster Signing Frees Funds for Municipalities | Friday at 7:44 p.m.

State Website Offers Other Weather Preparation Guides | Friday at 3:40 p.m.

Snow Emergency Decisions Made Locally | Updated Monday at 7:37 p.m.

Weather Service Slightly Increases Possible Accumulation | Friday at 8:10 a.m.

Snow Predicted Between 12 and 16 Inches | Thursday at 5:53 p.m.

School Districts Issue Weather Updates

Updated Monday, Jan. 26 at 5 p.m.
Began Jan. 24 at 2:44 p.m.

  • “Due to ongoing effects of this larger-than-normal winter storm,” the Pottstown School District will conduct a virtual instruction day Tuesday (Jan. 27), with “all students and staff … in a virtual synchronous format.” All employees will work virtually. No transportation will be available for out-of-district placement students. Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez, on the district website, asked families “to check class information and schedules provided by each school.”
  • All Boyertown Area School District buildings and offices will remain closed on Tuesday (Jan. 27), its website reported. It says the day represents the district’s “third flexible instructional day of the year,” and designated Tuesday as “again Day 4 of our 6-day cycle.” No non-public transportation will be available. All after-school practices, events, and activities are canceled. “Elementary students should complete activities on their (instructional day) choice boards. Secondary students will follow their Day 4 schedule using their FID resources for the third FID Day of the year.” The district also was closed Saturday at 9 p.m. through Monday.
  • Pottsgrove School District closed all buildings and district offices Monday (Jan. 26), and also canceled all after-school activities for the day. The district acted in what it said was “an abundance of caution” with the weather. A “traditional snow day” was authorized to ensure “the safety of students, staff, and bus drivers,” it said.

Record Cold Likely to Affect Cost of Natural Gas

Monday, Jan. 26 at 11:04 a.m.

(The Center Square) – Widespread extreme cold is expected to restrict the production of natural gas in the U.S. in coming days, industry analysts say. Supply disruptions are likely in key shale basins, they add, which could cut average daily output by about 10%.

The price of benchmark natural gas futures at Henry Hub in Louisiana, for deliveries in mid-February, soared this week. They rose 59% Friday (Jan. 23, 2026) afternoon, representing the biggest weekly increase since 1990.

Henry Hub, owned by a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, is considered the best-known of all natural gas trading points in North America. Experts say it serves as a trend-setter for natural gas pricing.

The culprit is “freeze-offs” that occur when water or hydrates, produced along with natural gas, freeze and solidify during extreme cold. They create blockages that disrupt flows from wellheads at the processing facilities where impurities are removed. They also occur inside pipelines of gas-fired power generation plants and industries.

Impact Timing, Degree Varies

The cost spike is expected to cause residential consumer price increases in some states. The timing and degree of the impact will vary, depending on the utility.

Analysts expect large withdrawals of natural gas from storage in the weeks ahead. The U.S. Department of Energy estimated U.S. inventories of natural gas in underground storage at 3,065 billion cubic feet on Jan. 16. The amount is 141 billion cubic feet higher than last year, as well as 6.1% above the five-year average of 2,888 billion cubic feet for this time of year.

By Alton Wallace of The Center Square
Republished by Travels With The Post

The Center Square is part of a network of U.S.-based newsrooms that report on state- and local-level government activity. Travels With The Post republishes news articles from its Pennsylvania edition. Find other articles here.

A Pottstown Example of ‘Extra’ Customer Service

Weather Journal: Some Schools Plan Tuesday Closures

Sunday, Jan. 25 at 9:40 p.m.

POTTSTOWN PA – Most local retail stores were closed Sunday (Jan. 25) as the storm reached its height, and snowflakes and ice crystals piled up everywhere.

The Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Pottstown Plaza, 799 State St., was not among the “most.”

Its co-owner and manager, Daniel “Dan” Schwalenberg, was in the building, joined by a volunteer employee. Its doors were unlocked and ready to electronically whisk open for anyone who passed by.

“Dan is at the store,” it announced on Facebook. “We are open in case any first responders, or customers within walking distance, need anything,” it said. “Or if a snowplow driver needs to poop.”

Yes, piloting a snowplow for hours on end occasionally can be (ahem) uncomfortable work.

Surely Schwalenberg had other tasks to accomplish while there. More than 100 comments were made on the post, though, and it was shared 95 times. They indicate his gesture during the storm favorably impressed the public. “Best store ever,” one proclaimed. “You guys are the best … always serving the community,” another wrote.

Some folks just couldn’t resist the obvious. “Pottstown Grocery Outlet … Keeping Pottstown Pooping!,” one stated, accompanied by laughing emojis. Not long after, a second followed up with “Having a safe warm spot to squat is important.”

The store stayed open and available until Sunday 4 p.m. By then Dan and the volunteer had other priorities: football, to be specific. “We are happy to serve you,” the post explained, “unless the playoffs coincide with a snow apocalypse … then you’re screwed.”

Met-Ed Incident Center Already in Operation

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages

Sunday, Jan. 25 at 10:36 a.m.

AKRON, Ohio – With the winter storm moving through the TriCounty region, Ohio-based FirstEnergy Corp and its local operating power company – Metropolitan Edison – say their crews are “ready for the extra challenges that heavy snowfall can create for both equipment and travel.”

Light fluffy snow, even in large amounts, typically has less impact. That’s because it doesn’t stick to tree branches and power lines. Wet heavy snow and ice, however, create more issues by weighing down branches and wires. Snow-covered roads can also slow travel, which may slightly extend power restoration times.

FirstEnergy line crews indicate they are ready to assist if the stormy weather causes any power outages within the area.

Its around-the-clock incident command structure is already in place. It allows teams across Med-Ed service areas to coordinate restoration work, meet equipment needs, and offer field support as conditions change, the company says.

Let Met-Ed Know of Outages, Downed Lines

Met-Ed customers who lose power during the storm can report outages by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877); or by texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487), or by clicking the outages link online.

If you see a downed power line, don’t go near it!, the company warns. Assume any downed or low-hanging power lines are energized and dangerous, even if they may not spark, smoke, or make noise. Stay at least 30 feet away and instruct others to do the same. Instead call 9-1-1 immediately to report it and the wire’s location.

PECO Energy Ready to Deal with Power Outages

Sunday, Jan. 25 at 8:02 a.m.

PHILADELPHIA PA – PECO Energy has “increased staffing to ensure crews are available to respond to any power outages as quickly and safely as possible,” the company says in a media release.

PECO reports it is “actively monitoring the weather” for impacts on the company’s electric and natural gas systems. Its crews and contractors are prepared to respond to potential outages, and are expected to “work around the clock until every last customer is restored.

Need to report an outage, or issues with PECO electric or natural gas services? Call it at 1-800-841-4141, or use a cellphone to text “ADDOUTAGE” to MYPECO (697326). Customers also can find additional information online.

PECO Sets Repair Priorities

PECO restoration priorities focus on public safety and other essential services such as 911 centers, hospitals, and pumping stations, it notes.

After dealing with downed live wires or potentially life-threatening issues, crews will focus on transmission lines and substation equipment. They serve thousands of customers and can affect widespread areas, the company explains.

Crews will then address problems with main distribution lines serving large numbers of customers, and secondary lines serving neighborhoods. Once those major repairs are complete, PECO adds, crews will begin to work on service lines to individual homes and businesses.

Interstates, Other Highways Weather-Restricted Sunday

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages

Saturday, Jan. 24 at 4:30 p.m.

HARRISBURG PA – No commercial vehicles will be permitted on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) or its extensions, all other interstate highways, and portions of U.S. Routes 22, 322, and state Route 28, beginning Sunday (Jan. 25, 2026) at 12:01 a.m., the state Department of Transportation and the Turnpike Commission said in a joint media release.

Other highways outside The Post’s coverage area also are affected. See the full list online.

The vehicle limitations fall under “Tier 4” of the Commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan. They are being implemented as a result of the coming winter storms, the agencies stated.

Additionally all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, motor homes, and passenger vehicles towing trailers (including cars, sport utility vehicles, or pickup trucks) “are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.”

Expect 45-MPH Speed Limits

While restrictions are in place, all other allowed vehicles must adhere to speed limits of no more than 45 mph on listed roads. Commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

“Avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice,” the agencies suggested. “Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions permit. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT personnel.”

Above photo by Koy Gregerson on Unsplash

Closures, Cancellations, Delays, and Changes

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages

Updated Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 8:46 p.m.
Began Jan. 24 at 8:30 a.m.

Here are closures, cancellations, delays, and changes reported to The Post. These items were reported Tuesday:

  • Trash and recycling collection in West Pottsgrove Township will be delayed by a single day, and has been re-scheduled by J.P. Mascaro and Sons to Thursday (Jan. 29), the township announced in a ReadyMontCo alert. “Thanks you for your cooperation,” it added.

These items were reported Monday.

  • The TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown, which was closed Monday (Jan. 26) due to the weather, says it will remain closed Tuesday (Jan. 27). The likely overnight re-freezing, as well as the condition of side streets and sidewalks, led to the decision. “We hope to see everyone on Wednesday!,” it adds encouragingly. “Stay warm and safe!”
  • Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, which canceled services on all bus routes Monday (Jan. 26), says it will resume service Tuesday (Jan. 27) at 10 a.m. Its notice, sent by Pottstown Borough via an emergency alert e-mail from its website, did not specify whether all routes, or only selected ones, would be in operation. It asked riders to “stay tuned for further updates.”
  • Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation says it has now removed all storm-related vehicle restrictions placed on all interstates, the Turnpike, and major highways across the Philadelphia region. However, speed limits reduced to 45 mph remain on Interstates 76, 95, 295, 476, and 676; U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, and 422; and state Routes 63, the 100 Spur, and 309. The department continues to urge drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.
  • The snow emergency declaration for Trappe Borough was lifted Monday (Jan. 26) at noon, according to a ReadyMontCo alert. Borough Hall is scheduled to re-open Tuesday (Jan. 27). “Thank you for your cooperation during this winter storm,” it added.
  • Trash in Collegeville will be picked up Wednesday (Jan. 28) rather than Tuesday as regularly scheduled, the borough said in an e-mailed ReadyMontCo alert. Officials ask residents to put out their trash and recycling items in advance on Tuesday (Jan. 27) night.
  • “Bus and Metro services on SEPTA are being restored line-by-line as conditions allow,” its website reports Monday (Jan. 26) at 11:14 a.m. The system is following a Monday schedule, it adds. Prospective riders should check online for individual route status and details. Regional rail remains suspended, but will follow a Saturday schedule once it is safe to do so.
  • The weather has prompted Diamond Credit Union, headquartered in Pottstown, to close all its branches Monday (Jan. 26). Members can access their accounts online, it notes. Also, its representatives are available for assistance during normal business hours by phone at 610-326-5490 or in online chat.
  • The Lower Salford municipal building will be closed Monday (Jan. 26), it reported in an e-mail.

These items were reported Sunday:

  • The obligation of attending Mass on Sunday (Jan. 25) at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Limerick has been lifted by parish pastor Father Brandt. Those who plan to attend services “are asked to use extreme caution,” it adds. Also, all parish campus activities are suspended. The parish office and education center building will be closed Monday (Jan. 26).
  • Pottstown Public Library says it will be closed Monday (Jan. 26) due to the storm. Updates on its re-opening will be available on its social media pages, it adds.
  • All Weis Markets, including those in Gilbertsville, Pennsburg, and Oley, will be closed Sunday (Jan. 25). They are scheduled to re-open Monday (Jan. 26) at 8 a.m., the company says.
  • Ridgewood Winery in Bechtelsville says it will be closed Sunday for the safety of its staff and patrons.
  • Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority has canceled Sunday transportation services.
  • Boyertown Area Multi-Service reports it will be closed Monday.
  • Worship services have been canceled or facilities are closed Sunday at Barto United Church of Christ, Christ United Methodist Church in Birdsboro, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Birdsboro, Falkner Swamp United Church of Christ Reformed in Gilbertsville, Friedens United Church of Christ in Oley, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Boyertown, Grace Baptist Church in Gilbertsville, New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gilbertsville, Salem United Church of Christ in Oley, St. James Lutheran Church in Pottstown, St. Peter’s Luthyeran Church in Pottstown, St. John’s Church in Boyertown, St. Joseph’s Hill Lutheran Church in Boyertown, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Red Hill, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Douglassville (Berks), and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Amityville. All are reported by WFMZ-TV.
  • Sunday worship services for Mountain View Chapel in Douglassville (Berks), and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pennsburg will be held online. Both are reported by WFMZ-TV.
  • Worship services have been canceled or facilities are closed Sunday and Monday at Community Bible Fellowship in Red Hill, as reported by WFMZ-TV.

The following items were reported Saturday:

  • All Goodwill Keystone Area stores, including those in Pottstown and Trappe, will be closed Sunday (Jan. 25) “due to the inclement weather,” the chain reported on Facebook. Re-opening dates were not announced, but the non-profit suggested those interested follow its Facebook page for updates.
  • Trash pick-ups in Pottstown by J.P. Mascaro and sons are re-scheduled, the borough reports. Normal Monday pick-ups will be conducted Tuesday; Tuesday pick-ups will be done on Wednesday. Christmas tree pick-ups Wednesday have been canceled. Thursday and Friday pick-ups remain unchanged. For more information call the borough at 610-970-6500, or send an e-mail to administration@pottstown.org.
  • All driver’s license and photo centers across Pennsylvania, including those in Pottstown, Harleysville, King of Prussia, Norristown, and Reading, will be closed Monday and Tuesday (Jan. 26 and 27) “due to the predicted snow event this weekend,” the state Department of Transportation announced. “Customers who have road tests scheduled will be contacted by PennDOT staff to reschedule, or they may reschedule online, it said.
  • “Due to the forecast severity of the storm,” St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Stowe has canceled its Sunday mass scheduled for 9 a.m. Parish Religion Education Program classes also are canceled. The church, in an e-mail, urged community residents to stay safe, “and check on your family, friends, and neighbors during the storm!”
  • Brakeman’s Cafe in Boyertown says it will be closed Sunday (Jan. 25) for the safety of its staff and customers.
  • Freed’s Supermarket in Gilbertsville remains open Saturday (Jan. 24) until 6 p.m., but will be closed Sunday (Jan. 25), it said on Facebook.
  • All Kimberton Whole Foods locations – including those in Collegeville, Douglassville, Kimberton, and Wyomissing – “will be closed Sunday (Jan. 25) due to forecasted snow, the chain said in an e-mail.
  • Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square will close Saturday (Jan. 24) at 5 p.m., and remain closed Sunday and Monday (Jan. 25-26) due to the weather, it said in an e-mail. Its gardens are regularly closed on Tuesdays. Longwood noted it plans to re-open Wednesday (Jan. 28) at 10 a.m

Salt Shortage Changes Road Operations in Collegeville

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages

Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10:18 a.m.

COLLEGEVILLE PA – A regional shortage of road salt has left the public works crews in Collegeville Borough with “a very limited supply” or road salt, it said Friday (Jan. 23) on Facebook. The multi-day length of the storm, and its supply limitation, will require adjustments in its operations, it acknowledged.

In its post, the borough said:

  • “We cannot salt all roads as we normally do;”
  • “Intersections and hills will be treated during the storm;” and
  • “Full roadway salting will occur after the storm ends.”

Like other municipalities across Montgomery County facing similar circumstances, Collegeville said it has been awaiting salt deliveries, but apparently received none recently. “Supply is extremely tight,” it added.

“We understand some travel is unavoidable,” the borough noted, “but we strongly encourage residents to stay off the roads when possible. Use extreme caution if you must go out.” It urged the public to “stay safe,” and thanked its residents for their “patience and cooperation.”

Coincidentally, a New York Times article Friday reported road salt shortages were widespread.

Photo provided by Collegeville Borough via Facebook

PA Disaster Signing Frees Up Funds for Municipalities

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages

Friday, Jan. 23 at 7:44 p.m.

HARRISBURG PA – Pennsylvania is operating under a disaster emergency proclaimed Friday by Gov. Josh Shapiro. It makes resources available to “prepare for and support response efforts” for the coming winter storm this weekend.

The declaration allows the state to “quickly draw down funding” to pay for assistance to counties and municipalities with storm response efforts. Between $20 and $40 million can be tapped if needed, according to a governor’s office media release.

Watching camera monitors inside the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Pennsylvania’s Emergency Management Agency has been authorized to “to pre-position resources, streamline coordination, and respond quickly if conditions deteriorate,” its director, Randy Padfield, says.

The declaration also activates the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center. It will be staffed “for the duration of the storm to ensure quick and coordinated response by state agencies,” Padfield says.

The declaration “does not explicitly prohibit travel,” the release notes. However, drivers should be attentive to “local-level road restrictions that may be in place.” Shapiro also strongly suggested state residents “stay off the roads, … be safe, and follow instructions” from emergency managers and local authorities.

Top photo from Getty Images on Unsplash+, used under license
Above photo provided by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

State Website Offers Weather Preparation Guides

Friday, Jan. 23 at 3:40 p.m.

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages

HARRISBURG PA – State police, transportation experts, and Pennsylvania emergency managers opened a website Friday (Jan. 23) that offers “preparedness information, including emergency checklists for homes and vehicles,” to deal with potential hazards arising from the coming winter storm.

Find it online here.

Snow Emergency Decisions Made Locally

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages

Updated Monday, Jan. 26 at 7:37 p.m.
Began Friday, Jan. 23 at 1:33 p.m.

Phoenixville Borough reports snow emergency will continue until Tuesday (Jan. 27) at noon. Plows and salt trucks are working around the borough. Emergency route parking restrictions remain in effect.

Royersford Borough’s snow emergency declaration, which took effect Saturday (Jan. 24), rescinded it Monday (Jan. 26) at noon, according to a ReadyMontCo alert. Its dismissal was a coordinated action of the mayor’s office and the borough Office of Emergency Management. It allowed parking along emergency snow routes to resume immediately.

Municipal snow emergency declarations, issued Friday after 12 p.m., include:

  • Spring City Borough, effective Saturday (Jan. 24) at 10 a.m. No end date was specified. The following rules are in effect, according to a video message from Mayor Adam Alberico: no parking is permitted on posted snow emergency routes; all vehicles must be moved off snow routes; and other roads should be cleared to “allow police, fire, emergency medical services, and plow crews to do their jobs.”
  • Collegeville Borough, from Saturday (Jan. 24) at noon, to Monday (Jan. 26) at 6 p.m., its ReadyMontCo alert states. “The use of snow tires or chains are required to drive a motor vehicle on an emergency route. Getting stuck or leaving a vehicle unattended on these routes may result in fines,” according to the notice. It also is “unlawful to park vehicles on established snow emergency routes.” They are: Clahor Ave (between 29 and Trappe Borough), East 5th Avenue, East Main Street (from 1st Avenue to Trappe Borough), East 9th Avenue, First Avenue (also known as Rte. 29, from Main Street to Perkiomen Township), Second Avenue (also known as Rte. 29, from Main Street to Upper Providence Township), Park Avenue, West 8th Avenue (from Main Street to Clahor), and West 5th Avenue.
  • West Vincent Township, from Saturday (Jan. 24) beginning at 6 p.m. The declaration will “be lifted when conditions warrant,” it adds. Any vehicle parked on a township highway, road, street or right-of-way after the declaration takes effect is subject to a fine, towing, or both. Residents with questions about the storm or snow removal should contact Township Manager Tommy Ryan at manager@westvincenttwp.org.
  • Trappe Borough, from Saturday (Jan. 24) at 8 p.m. to Monday (Jan. 26) at 5 p.m., unless lifted earlier, according to ReadyMontCo. Only vehicles with snow tires, chains, four-wheel drive, or (involved in) an emergency may drive on roads in the Borough. All non-essential vehicles shall stay off roadways until the emergency ends. Report all power outages to PECO at 800-841-4141. Do not drive over down power lines.

Above photo from Getty Images on Unsplash+, used under license

Royersford Joins Snow Emergency Municipalities

ROYERSFORD PA – A snow emergency declaration will take effect Saturday (Jan. 24) beginning at 6 p.m., the borough announced in a ReadyMontCo alert. Due to the impending inclement weather, it adds, the declaration remains in effect until further notice.

Royersford residents “are reminded to remove their vehicles from designated snow emergency routes and keep these routes clear,” the alert states. Their requested actions will “enable snow plowing efforts to take place. Vehicles not removed from snow emergency routes are subject to towing,” according to the borough.

Upper Pottsgrove Declares Snow Emergency

UPPER POTTSGROVE PA – Police in Upper Pottsgrove Township say its officials have declared an advance snow emergency that will run from Saturday (Jan. 24) at 7 p.m. to Monday (Jan. 26) at 4 p.m.

The township notes that no parking is permitted on cul-de-sacs in residential subdivisions. It also asks “residents to park off the roadway if possible,” so public works crews “can effectively move the snow.” It also recommends they limit travel during the storm for everyone’s safety.

Snow Emergency Declared in Lower Salford

Ahead of the storm, weather-watching Lower Salford Township officials have declared a snow emergency in advance. It takes effect Saturday (Jan. 24) at 8 p.m., and will continue through Monday (Jan. 26) until 8 p.m.

The township asks all residents to assist its public works crews by removing all vehicles from its streets and roads. “On-street parking significantly restricts snow removal operations, particularly on narrow streets and cul-de-sacs,” it explains.

On-street parking on designated snow emergency routes also violates the township code. Vehicles found to be in violation may be ticketed, towed, or both.

Weather Service Slightly Increases Possible Accumulation

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages
Feels-like temperatures could reach 11 degrees below zero

Friday, Jan. 23 at 8:10 a.m.

MOUNT HOLLY NJ – A winter weather update from the National Weather Service expects slightly more snow Saturday through Monday (Jan. 24, 25, and 26) than earlier predicted, accompanied by severely cold “feels-like” temperatures.

Its winter storm watch for all of Berks and Lehigh counties, and the western portion of Montgomery County, remains in effect, it adds. However, the weather service raised its snow accumulation estimate for Pottstown, Collegeville, Reading, and surrounding municipalities to between 12 and 17 inches. Its Thursday afternoon estimate was between 12 and 16 inches.

Above photo by Gary Fultz on Unsplash, used under license

Cold Weather Advisory Continues

It also is continuing a cold weather advisory for all of Montgomery, Berks, Chester, and Lehigh counties through Saturday at 10 p.m. It warns that “very cold wind chills” can be expected, dropping the feels-like temperature to 11 degrees below zero.

The brutal temperatures could “result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures, (and) wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure,” the advisory explains.

It urges affected residents to “use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible.”

Snow Predicted Between 12 and 16 Inches

Weather Journal: Energy Providers Prepared for Outages

Thursday, Jan. 22 at 5:53 p.m.

MOUNT HOLLY NJ – Total snow accumulations of between 12 and 16 inches, possibly mixed with about 1/10th-of-an-inch of ice, will be part of the winter storm expected to hit western Montgomery County this weekend.

A winter storm watch, considered an “urgent” condition, has been set for late Saturday night (Jan. 24, 2026) through Monday afternoon (Jan. 26), the regional National Weather Service office reports. Its most recent forecast was published Thursday at 1:45 p.m. Any updates are anticipated sometime Thursday night.

The storm watch applies to all or parts of 19 areas across southeastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey, the weather service says. Among them it specifically mentions the watch includes all of Berks and Lehigh counties, western Montgomery County, and the municipalities of Pottstown, Collegeville, Reading, Allentown, and Bethlehem.

It also issues the warning that “hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.” Travel “could be very difficult to impossible,” it adds.

Above photo by iuliu illes on Unsplash, used under license

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“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night” keeps Travels With The Post from reporting on the weather, and how it made a difference in news events or as part of its reportage. Find more weather-related stories here.

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Local and Regional News

Looking for free local news? See these sources:

The PCTV Network. PCTV, headquartered in Pottstown, provides local television programming in western Montgomery, northern Chester, and eastern Berks counties.

Digital Notebook. Pottstown resident Evan Brandt is the sole reporter for the venerable Pottstown Mercury newspaper. For many years, until February 2022, he offered observations about happenings in the borough and elsewhere. They remain valuable from a historical perspective.

The Boyertown Expression. Covers municipalities primarily within Berks County’s Boyertown Area School District, and focuses on the municipalities of Boyertown, Bally, Barto, and Gilbertsville. Its operators, Leslie Misko and Jane Stahl, are long-time Boyertown area residents with backgrounds in education and art.

Perk Valley Now. Covers municipalities primarily within Montgomery County's Perkiomen Valley School District: Zionsville, Schwenksville, Perkiomen, Perkiomenville, Trappe, Collegeville, and Skippack PA.

North Penn Now. Covers municipalities primarily within Montgomery County's North Penn School District: Hatfield township and borough, Lansdale, North Wales, Montgomery, Towamencin and Upper Gwynedd.

The Keystone Newsroom. The Keystone is a Pennsylvania-based newsroom of local editors and reporters producing news on state- and community-related issues.

Keystone Wayfarer. Described by author Paula Hogan "as an outlet to publish accounts” that explore “the extensive history” of people and places in and around Schwenksville PA and, more broadly, Montgomery County PA.

Daily Voice Pottstown. Covers municipalities in western Montgomery County and beyond.

MyChesCo. MyChesCo has covered Chester County news since 2017.

Berks Community Television. Covers Berks County.

Spotlight PA. An investigative news service for Pennsylvania, supported by several news organizations statewide. It publishes a Berks County Edition.

Philly Voice. Covers Philadelphia and the suburbs.

Lehigh Valley News. Lehigh Valley News, headquartered in Bethlehem PA, provides news coverage in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and counties of the Lehigh Valley.

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