Allentown prepares for snow emergency with storm cleanup, parking arrangements | Weather

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The backdrop was deceiving, a 40-degree sunny day, but officials in Allentown announced storm preparations on Thursday afternoon.

“We wanted to make sure that we’re giving all of our folks ample time to set the stage for a successful cleanup operation,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk.

Officials were giving residents a heads up before the city’s snow emergency goes into effect this weekend.

It begins 7 a.m. Saturday and goes into effect four hours later at 11 a.m.

That means if your car is parked in one of the city’s 30 snow emergency routes at 11 a.m., it will be towed.

“Stay off the roads. Please give our crews the space that they need to get around the city safely and efficiently. Having to deal with traffic during the storm is a nightmare. It slows our overall progress. It stalls the efforts that the plow drivers can make. It just takes clean up a lot longer,” said Mark Shahda, Allentown’s director of public works.

City crews will begin two 12-hour shifts once the snow starts and will continue working until all roadways are passable. Fifty trucks are fitted with plows and ready to go, and 1,500 tons of salt are currently stockpiled with an additional 1,000 tons ordered.

The Allentown Parking Authority will have free parking at the government deck at 435 W. Hamilton St. starting at midnight on Friday. The APA will open more decks as needed.

All vehicles must exit the deck by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, when standard rates resume. Vehicles remaining past this time will be subject to regular parking fees, according to officials.

“If the snow totals that come are as predicted, we could be digging ourselves out for a few days. Our officers will be out, we will be making contact so please park on alternative streets or in the deck,” said Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca.

City leaders ask residents to have patience over the next few days. Snow emergency routes and major roadways will be cleared first, followed by secondary streets, alleys and all other public spaces.

“A lot of our residents, for some of the smaller snowstorms, are used to seeing park staff out relatively quickly to do some of the clearing of the pathways and sidewalks around our parks. It may be a few days; it may be midday next week,” said Mandy Tolino, director of parks and recreation.

All city parking decks will have free parking starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Residents are encouraged to call the Snow Hotline at 610-437-7669 for updates on snow clearing operations.

Other parking updates will be shared here.