Haverford Township’s Winter Storm Action Plan

• Posted | 01/23/2026 •

Haverford Township has declared a Snow Emergency beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, and ending at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, unless otherwise modified by the Township.

A Snow Emergency gives crews the operating space they need to safely clear roads and, during the height of the storm, keep Snow Emergency Routes open. It typically starts earlier than the snowfall itself to give residents adequate time to move vehicles. Likewise, it often ends later than the snowfall because it can take many hours to fully and safely clear roadways.

What to expect: The forecast calls for a long duration storm with significant snowfall, possible sleet or freezing rain and bitter cold. At times, snowfall rates may exceed plowing capacity.

How the Township will respond: Our primary objective is safety for residents, motorists and our employees.

Snow operations will proceed in phases:

• Preparation: Equipment inspections are complete, trucks are loaded and coordination is underway with neighboring municipalities and PennDOT. Approximately 1,000 tons of salt have been received in advance. Initial Operations: Roads will be salted first with plowing beginning once snow accumulates to approximately 3 to 4 inches.
• Peak Storm: When snowfall becomes too heavy to keep all roads clear, crews will focus on state roads and major arterials while staging safely at strategic locations. Public Works will assist police, fire and EMS with emergency responses during this period.
• Post Storm Cleanup: Once snowfall rates decrease, Township wide plowing, widening and cleanup will resume.
• Shoveling: Sidewalks and municipal facilities will be addressed after snowfall ends and this phase may take several days.

Approximately 40 trucks and operators will be deployed for plowing and salting with additional crews assigned to sidewalks and other municipal facilities.

Snow Emergency

When a Snow Emergency is declared, the following activities are unlawful:

• Parking a vehicle or allowing a vehicle to remain parked on any Snow Emergency Route.
• Driving on a Snow Emergency Route unless the vehicle is equipped with snow tires, chains or other suitable traction devices.
• Driving a vehicle that becomes stuck on a Snow Emergency Route due to lack of proper traction equipment.

Important Reminders for Residents

• Residents are responsible for clearing snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks in front of their property within 24 hours after the storm ends.
• It is unlawful to shovel or plow snow from private property into any street, roadway, sidewalk or alley and this ordinance is strictly enforced.
• Whenever possible, residents are strongly encouraged to park vehicles in driveways and off the street. Doing so allows plow operators to clear roads more quickly and thoroughly.
• Avoid parking in cul de sacs whenever possible. If you must park in a cul de sac or leave a vehicle on or near a roadway, you must notify the Police Department by calling 911.
• Under normal conditions, storm cleanup takes approximately 8 to 12 hours after snowfall ends. Depending on timing and severity, cleanup may take longer.
• The Township’s first goal is to open one lane of traffic in each direction on every road, followed by curb to curb plowing and clearing storm inlets. To avoid frustration, residents are encouraged not to clear driveway aprons until plowing operations are complete.
• In the event of a power outage, residents should contact PECO at 1 800 841 4141, not the Township.

Staying Informed

Updates will be shared through press releases, Constant Contact, social media, the Township website and Reverse 911 as conditions evolve.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our residents and the dedication of our Public Works, Police, Fire and EMS teams as we work through this winter.

For a full list of our Snow Emergency Routes you can find these listed under the snow removal information (opens in a new tab) ↗ on the public works' webpage.