With forecasters calling for up to four inches of snow fall on Monday in Bucks County, it means that local municipalities are expected to issue snow emergencies.
What does it mean and how does it impact residents, visitors and businesses in Bucks County?
Snow along Mill St. in Bristol Borough on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
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What is a snow emergency declaration in Bucks County
Generally, a snow emergency is a declaration by the township manager and police and public works departments when a winter snow and ice conditions are severe enough to require that vehicles should not be parked on public streets.
Generally, an emergency is declared when at least three inches of snow accumulate on streets. But in some towns vehicles must be removed from snow routes or public streets one hour before snow fall begins and 12 hours after it stops.
The purpose of a snow emergency is to allow snow plows the ability to remove snow and ice curb-to-curb on public streets to open up the road to better accommodate emergency vehicles, mail delivery, trash pickup and future street parking. Failure to move a car off a street likely will mean a ticket and a tow for a vehicle owner.
In some municipalities, though, a snow emergency declaration also temporarily imposes other restrictions or requirements in order to make snow removal smoother and safer.
Paul Yezzi, with Bristol Borough, puts down rock salt on the sidewalk near Mill St. Crossing in Bristol Borough on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
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What Bucks County towns have declared a snow emergency for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
As of Monday morning, Warminster and Lower Southampton issued snow emergencies. Warminster’s expires tonight at midnight and Lower Southampton runs until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Yardley Borough police also initiated temporary parking restrictions to assist snow plows.
Jim Praul, left, and Paul Yezzi, right, with Bristol Borough, put down rock salt on the sidewalk in Bristol Borough on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
What do towns require with a snow emergency?
Bedminster requires all vehicles to be removed from township roads after 1-inch of accumulated snowfall or one-quarter inch of accumulated ice until snowplow operations are completed. Vehicles must be removed from roads within one hour of the start of a winter storm until 48 hours after the storm ends and plowing is completed.
Bristol Borough Prohibits parking on Mill Street.
Bristol Township All vehicles, boats, trailers, etc. must be moved off all township streets. Vehicles are prohibited from parking on snow emergency routes during a declared emergency.
Dublin Borough For the duration of the storm or until snow and ice is cleared from public streets. All vehicles must be removed from public streets and avoid unnecessary travel. Vehicles parked on posted snow emergency routes will be ticketed and may be towed. Property owners are required to remove snow from sidewalks within 24 hours after the precipitation has ended.
Falls Township All vehicles, boats, trailers, etc. must be moved off all township streets.
Hilltown Residents are asked to clear the streets in front of their properties.
Lower Southampton All vehicles must be removed from any township streets.
Newtown Township It is unlawful for anyone to place snow or ice from a property into the travel portion of the street. All vehicles must be moved off public roadways after at least 1-inch of snow has accumulated until the snow has been completely plowed to allow the full width of a car.
Penndel Borough All vehicles parked on public streets must be moved.
Perkasie Borough requires businesses and commercial properties to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within six hours. Perkasie requires removal from residential properties within 18 hours and Sellersville within 24 hours.
Sellersville Borough Requires parked vehicles be removed from the following areas: Both sides of Diamond Street, the west side of Diamond Street, both sides of East Church Street, East Temple Avenue, East Walnut Street, Lawn Avenue, Maple Avenue, Noble Street, North Main Street, South Main Street, West Temple Avenue and East Park Avenue, The borough also requires businesses and commercial properties to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within six hours and within 24-hours for residential properties.
Upper Southampton It is illegal to park a vehicle on any snow emergency route in the township.
Warrington Requires all vehicles parked on township streets must be moved.
Wrightstown It is unlawful for anyone to place snow or ice from a property into the travel portion of the street. All vehicles must be moved off public roadways after at least 1 inch of snow has accumulated until the snow has been completely plowed to allow the full width of a car.
Reporter Lacey Latch contributed to this story
Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at Jciavaglia@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County towns declare snow emergencies. What you need to know