ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Cities across the region are gearing up for this weekend’s winter storm, putting plans in place to keep roads clear and people safe.
In Allentown, Mayor Matt Tuerk announced that he will declare a snow emergency that will go into effect this weekend.
The purpose of it is to ensure the public’s safety, while also helping the operations of removing snow during the storm.
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Arctic blast and a snowstorm: A widespread 10-16″ of snow expected Sunday
The declaration will happen at 7 a.m. on Saturday and go into effect at 11 a.m.
The city has designated 30 streets as Snow Emergency Routes, and if your car is parked on one of those roadways during the snow emergency, it will be towed.
Allentown’s director of public works explains how the city is preparing for the weekend snowstorm
To help ensure they’re cleared, the Allentown Parking Authority will have free parking at the government deck at 435 West Hamilton Street starting at midnight on Friday.
Officials say more decks will be opened as needed, and all city parking decks will also be opened for free beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Then, 50 trucks of city crews will begin two 12-hour shifts that will work to cover 420 miles of roadway.
Officials are encouraging people to stay off the roads during the storm unless it is necessary, and they are also asking for patience as crews work through the storm.
They pointed out that snow clearing operations could take several days dependent on the storm.
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