Mayor Eddie Morán declared a Snow Emergency in the City of Reading during a press conference Friday afternoon at the Reading Public Works Garage on North Sixth Street, citing concerns over heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions.
“Effective immediately, I am declaring a snow emergency for the city of Reading,” Morán said. He described the declaration as a critical step to ensure residents and city service providers are prepared for “potentially dangerous conditions,” allowing crews to safely clear streets, keep emergency vehicles moving, and prioritize public safety throughout the city.
Morán said the city expects total snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches, with snowfall rates reaching one to two inches per hour at the peak of the storm. He warned that those conditions could lead to hazardous travel and urged residents to plan ahead and avoid non-essential travel when possible. “Please plan ahead. Stay informed and follow city guidance,” Morán said.
Under the Snow Emergency, the city will focus first on clearing designated Snow Emergency Routes, which provide access to hospitals, fire stations, schools, and major bus routes. Morán emphasized that vehicles left on those routes may be ticketed or towed. “These prioritized routes are designated to be cleared during the storm, and you will be ticketed or towed to ensure crews can do their work safely,” he said. Once those routes are cleared, crews will move on to secondary streets and neighborhoods.
To help keep streets clear, Morán announced that all City-owned parking garages will be open for free public use beginning Saturday at noon through Tuesday at 7 a.m., in coordination with the Reading Parking Authority. “This gives people a place to move vehicles off the streets and allow plows to operate safely,” he said. The free parking applies to garages only; surface lots are not included. The Sixth and Cherry Street parking lot will be reserved exclusively for approved emergency vehicles to support storm response operations.
Rafael Batista, executive director of the Reading Parking Authority, said the authority is opening all garages and making thousands of spaces available to residents. “We have available over 3,000 spaces available to be used,” Batista said. He encouraged residents to move vehicles off city streets so Public Works crews can do their jobs. “Together, we can do better,” he said.
Morán said city departments are operating on an all-hands-on-deck approach, with Public Works staff remaining on site throughout the storm. “Some of them will stay here overnight, meaning sleeping here,” he said, thanking crews for their dedication. Police and fire teams will also be prepared to respond to emergencies as conditions worsen.
Several city services will be impacted by the storm. Trash and recycling collection scheduled for Monday will be delayed by one day, and street sweeping will remain suspended until further notice. The Reading Codes Office Property Maintenance Division will cancel scheduled inspections to prioritize safety. City Hall will be closed Monday, and the Reading City Council meeting scheduled for that evening has been postponed to Feb. 2.
Officials also addressed public safety concerns related to extreme cold and exposure. Alyssa Bushkie, chief operating officer at Opportunity House, warned that winter storms pose life-threatening risks for people without shelter. “Snowstorms and extreme cold are not just inconvenient; they are dangerous,” Bushkie said. “Hypothermia and frostbite can set in faster than many people realize, especially overnight.”
Bushkie said Code Blue will be in effect during the storm, with shelters available across the city. Hope Rescue Mission at 645 North Sixth Street will be open to serve men, while Opportunity House at 430 North Second Street will be open to women and families. Opportunity House will also expand its Code Blue services to include men who may be unable to reach the mission. “Coming inside during Code Blue can be the difference between life and death,” she said.
Bill Murray, executive director of the Reading Area Water Authority, stressed the importance of keeping fire hydrants clear during the storm. “The number one mission we have is to provide fire protection,” Murray said. He urged residents not to shovel snow onto hydrants and to help clear those near their homes. “If they’re under snow and the temperatures are gonna be like they are, it can be a real problem,” he said.
Morán closed by urging residents to look out for one another and cooperate with city crews during the storm. “Check on your neighbors,” he said, particularly older adults and those with mobility challenges. He also reminded residents not to push snow back into the street after clearing sidewalks or vehicles, as it can create dangerous conditions when plows pass through.
“We are prepared for this,” Morán said. “The city of Reading has a strong plan in place, and we will continue to monitor conditions closely, making adjustments as needed.” Residents are encouraged to follow city updates through local media, official social media channels, and the city website for real-time information throughout the storm.
