Reading Mayor Eddie Morán has declared a Snow Emergency in the city as a significant winter storm is expected to bring hazardous weather conditions beginning Sunday.
City officials said the declaration is intended to prioritize public safety and allow Public Works crews to clear roadways efficiently. Residents and service providers are encouraged to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions and monitor updates through City Hall, local media, and the city’s official social media channels.
As part of the emergency measures, all city-owned parking garages will be open for free public use from 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, through 7 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. Officials said the move is designed to reduce on-street parking and support snow removal operations.
The free parking applies only to parking garages. Surface lots are not included. The 6th and Cherry parking lot, home to the HOPE mural, will be reserved exclusively for approved emergency vehicles and will not be open to the public during the storm.
Under the Snow Emergency declaration, designated routes will be cleared first because they serve as key corridors for traffic and access to schools, hospitals, bus routes, and emergency services. Once those routes are addressed, crews will shift to neighborhood streets.
Priority Snow Emergency routes include North and South Fifth Street, Lancaster Avenue, Walnut Street, Washington Street — including Second Street from Washington to Penn — Penn Street, Franklin Street, North 13th Street, Perkiomen Avenue, Schuylkill Avenue, Spring Street, Front Street from Penn Street to Cathedral, Eleventh Street between Franklin and Walnut streets, Kenhorst Boulevard, and Museum Road.
Officials warned that vehicles left on Snow Emergency routes may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
City services will also be affected. The Codes Office Property Maintenance Division has canceled all scheduled inspections for Monday, Feb. 23, with Tuesday inspections potentially impacted depending on storm conditions. City Hall will be closed Monday, and the Reading City Council meeting scheduled for that day has been postponed to Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Trash and recycling collection plans for Monday had not been finalized as of the announcement, with an update expected. Street sweeping remains suspended until further notice, as equipment cannot safely handle snow.
In a statement, Morán urged residents to take precautions and support city response efforts.
“We’re prepared for this storm, and our crews are working around the clock to keep Reading moving safely. Please limit travel if you can, clear snow from sidewalks and fire hydrants, and look out for neighbors who may need help. Your cooperation helps our teams respond faster and keeps everyone safer,” Morán said.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city channels for real-time updates on snow removal and public safety information.
