Early flurries and frigid temperatures set a surprisingly delightful scene for ice skaters at City Hall Monday evening. As Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents braced themselves for an overnight snowfall, officials and residents prepared for the wintry conditions.
PennDOT crews were hard at work, pre-treating the roads in the Philadelphia region with salt to ensure that the snow could be cleared quickly. Trucks loaded up with tons of sodium chloride hit the roadways to cover more than 11,000 miles of highway. PennDOT spokesperson Krys Johnson emphasized the importance of pre-treating the roads to minimize the impact of the snow.
The Streets Department was also prepared for the snowfall, with Chief Highway Engineer Steve Lorenz stating that they would focus on salting bridges, main arterial streets, and areas with hills and higher elevations. With residual treatment from previous storms still on some roads, officials were hopeful that the fluffy snow would be easier to clear.
Meanwhile, residents flocked to stores to stock up on essentials before the storm hit. Joe Pawlenko and his family were seen at the Ace hardware store in Sewell, gathering supplies for upcoming snow days. Cindy Pino, from Turnersville, expressed excitement at the prospect of snow, planning to cozy up by the fireplace. Stores like Ace saw an increase in customers seeking shovels and rock salt, eager to tackle the snow.
Not everyone was fully prepared, though, as some shoppers realized they had forgotten to restock winter essentials. Lauren Sisco, from Washington Township, admitted that it had been so long since they had needed salt that they hadn’t thought to buy any. Nancy Doyle, from Turnersville, was already dreaming of warmer days and eagerly awaited the arrival of summer.
In Lindenwold, Camden County, more than 100 pieces of equipment were ready to go as the public works complex aimed to keep over 1,200 lane miles passable. With extensive preparations and resources in place, officials were determined to minimize the impact of the snow on residents and commuters.
As residents and officials alike made their final preparations, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. The beauty of the snowfall combining with the reassurance of well-prepared crews lent a hopeful and optimistic air to the region. Pennsylvania and New Jersey were bracing themselves for the snow, knowing that they were ready to face whatever the winter storm had in store.
