Winter Storm Gail - December 16 - 17, 2020

As of noon today, the first bands of snow are arriving in the Roaring Creek Valley (Locust, Cleveland, Franklin & Roaring Creek Townships). There are varying forecasts on the amount of snow we are to receive, however this storm will be a major storm and is forecast to cause travel disruptions, possible power outages and delays for emergency services personnel to reach you. In the Roaring Creek Valley, first responders, municipal and state road crews and numerous volunteers have been busy the past couple days making the necessary preparations for the storm. 

Here are a few tips for everyone in this area; Please do not be out traveling unless you absolutely have to. Expect roadways to become treacherous, if not impassable in some remote locations. The road crews can only do so much with such a large amount of snow forecast to fall in a short amount of time. Patience is the key for this storm. With a storm of this magnitude, we typically receive many calls advising us of roadways that are impassable and the need for individuals to get out to get to work or appointments. Again, patience is the key as the road crews will be working as fast and more importantly, as safe as they can. 

State and municipal crews are not permitted to plow your private lanes / driveways for you. 

State Roadway Information: Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511pa.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on www.511pa.com  by clicking on "Personal Alerts" in the left-hand menu.

Please consider checking in by phone with any elderly or ill neighbors, friends or family you may have. Let's work together as a community to make sure everyone gets through this storm safe. 

You can call our department at 570-799-5806 or the 911 communication center, 570-784-6300 for non-emergencies. We will do our best to keep everyone updated via our social media pages on area road conditions and emergency road closures. 

Be safe