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Berks County Grapples with Hazardous Snowfall

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. rks-county-grapples-with-hazardous-snowfall.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 7:43 GMT by WFMZ-TV
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

BERKS COUNTY, Pa. - January 31st, 2026 - Berks County residents are grappling with hazardous winter conditions following a significant snowfall overnight and into Saturday morning. Snowplows are actively working to clear roadways, but travel remains treacherous, and officials are strongly advising against all but essential travel. The situation continues to evolve, with isolated power outages reported across the county.

Jerry Bowman, Director of the Berks County Emergency Management Agency, stressed the importance of public cooperation. "The best thing you can do right now is stay home," he stated in a press conference earlier today. "Our crews are working tirelessly to clear the roads, but the snowfall has been substantial, and conditions are still very difficult. Staying off the roads allows them to work more efficiently and keeps everyone safer."

The snowfall, which began late Friday evening, accumulated rapidly, leaving many roads covered in several inches of snow. Visibility is significantly reduced in many areas, and the combination of snow and freezing temperatures has created icy patches, making even cleared roads potentially dangerous. Local police departments have reported a spike in minor accidents, thankfully with no serious injuries reported as of this writing.

Adding to the challenges, scattered power outages have been reported throughout Berks County. While the outages are currently isolated, officials are concerned that stronger winds expected later today could exacerbate the situation, potentially downing more power lines and affecting a wider area. Utility companies are actively working to restore power, prioritizing critical infrastructure like hospitals and emergency services. Residents experiencing outages are encouraged to report them to their utility provider immediately. The county EMA has set up a warm line at 610-320-WARM (9276) for those seeking information or assistance.

In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has implemented Level 1 restrictions for commercial vehicles. These restrictions, effective immediately, limit or prohibit certain types of commercial vehicles from traveling on specific roadways. PennDOT officials state this measure is to prevent accidents and ensure that emergency vehicles can navigate the roads safely. Drivers are urged to check PennDOT's website ([ https://www.penndot.pa.gov/ ]) for the latest updates on road closures and commercial vehicle restrictions.

The current storm is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather in Pennsylvania. Berks County, located in the southeastern part of the state, is particularly vulnerable to significant snowfall due to its geographic location. Experts have noted that this particular storm system drew moisture from the Gulf Stream and combined it with an Arctic air mass, creating ideal conditions for heavy snowfall. Early forecasts indicated a potential for a significant winter event, and the county EMA activated its winter weather preparedness plan earlier in the week. This included pre-treating roads with anti-icing materials and ensuring that snowplow operators were ready to deploy as soon as the snow began to fall.

Beyond the immediate concerns of travel and power outages, officials are also urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly and those with medical conditions. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be dangerous, and it's important to ensure that everyone has adequate heating and access to necessary resources. Local shelters have opened their doors to provide warmth and shelter for those in need.

County officials are requesting patience from residents as crews work to clear roads and restore power. The cleanup effort is expected to continue throughout the weekend, and full restoration of services may take several days depending on the severity of the ongoing conditions. Bowman reiterated the importance of staying informed and following official guidance. "We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Please tune to local news channels and check the county's website ([ https://www.countyofberks.us/ ]) for the latest information."

The Berks County Emergency Management Agency reminds residents of the following safety tips: Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, drive slowly and cautiously. Be aware of black ice. Report power outages to your utility provider. Check on vulnerable neighbors. Stay informed by monitoring local news and weather reports.