Friday storm blankets much of Montgomery County as snow continues falling

NORRISTOWN – Snow continued falling on Montgomery County for much of Friday as the winter weather event moved through the region.

The National Weather Service’s Mount Holly, New Jersey office recorded early snowfall totals Friday morning, as the Philadelphia suburb received 2 inches of snow so far in New Hanover Township. Eagleville followed with 1.4 inches and another 1.3 inches in Hatboro.

Many schools, roads and government buildings were closed due to Friday’s winter weather event, as the weather service predicted between 4 and 6 inches by the time snow ends in the evening.

Precipitation created slick conditions on the roads through the early afternoon hours as 72 vehicle crashes were reported into the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety’s emergency operations center between 7 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

“We’re urging drivers to stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary to go out. By staying home you’re keeping roads clear for plows and emergency vehicles,” said Todd Stieritz, deputy director for public affairs with the county’s county public safety department.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews were on the roads early Friday morning preparing for the weather event, just days after a winter storm dropped upwards of 4 inches of snow locally.

PennDOT on Friday enlisted more than 180 crews, as well as another 260 contracted rental plows throughout the region. There’s around 80 trucks plowing in Montgomery County, and 28,000 tons of salt available in the suburban county’s stockpile, according to PennDOT Community Relations Coordinator Robyn Briggs.

“Everyone’s out in full force,” Briggs said, adding “we’re never going to be free of snow until the storm has stopped, and then they’ll work until the roadways are clear.”

PennDOT imposed 45 mph speed restrictions on several major thoroughfares including Interstates 76 and 476. She too cautioned motorists from being out on the road.

“Please if you can stay off the roads, do,” Briggs said, but for those who must, “just drive as slow as you can. I wouldn’t drive the regular speed limit. Just take it easy.”

She added that drivers should also stay “six car lengths behind a plow truck” and “try not to pass the plows.”

Montgomery County Communications Director Megan Alt told MediaNews Group 16 plow trucks were deployed around 3:30 a.m. on  the 75 miles of county-owned roads. More than 300 tons of salt was used for Tuesday’s storm, “ and we anticipate similar or higher numbers for the current storm.”

“Teams will continue to be on call into tomorrow to respond to icy conditions and any fallen branches or trees,” Alt said, who noted 14 county employees were responsible for “operating four plow trucks and three snow removal machinery for keeping county facilities safe and accessible.”

While winter storm warnings and advisories remained in effect as of Friday afternoon, snow was expected to continue falling until the storm moves out early Friday evening.

“After the storm, if you have a fire hydrant on your street, be sure to check that it is clear of snow and ice. This can save valuable seconds in the event of a fire,” Stieritz said.