ENVIRONMENT

Municipalities declare snow emergencies ahead of storm

PUBLISHED Jan 23, 2026, 2:50 PM ET

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Municipalities declare snow emergencies ahead of storm

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

United States: Multiple local governments declared snow emergencies this week as a major winter storm approached, triggering parking restrictions, towing, and alternate-side rules to allow curb-to-curb plowing and salting. Officials in Lancaster County, Altoona, Curwensville, Louisville, Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County announced start and end times for emergency periods between Jan. 24–26, activated salt and plow operations, and warned drivers of fines, towing fees, and temporarily free county garage parking. Authorities provided maps, hotline numbers, and online updates. Municipal officials urged residents to move vehicles and stay off roads while crews worked. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Jan. 24: Forecasts of a major winter storm prompt local monitoring.
Jan. 24 (evening): Municipalities (e.g., Curwensville, Altoona) declare snow emergencies.
Jan. 24–25: Cities begin salting routes and publish snow maps and rules.
Jan. 24–26: Parking bans, towing, fines, and free county garage access enforced.
Jan. 26–27: Crews continue plowing; municipalities update lift times as conditions change.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11

Who Benefited

Municipal public works departments and drivers who used county garages benefited by enabling faster, safer snow clearance and uninterrupted emergency operations through consolidated parking alternatives.

Who Impacted

Residents without off-street parking, commuters, small businesses, and vehicle owners faced fines, towing, disrupted access, and short-term mobility challenges during emergency periods.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Residents without off-street parking, commuters, small businesses, and vehicle owners faced fines, towing, disrupted access, and short-term mobility challenges during emergency periods.