The Hilltop Plaza in East Franklin Township was sparsely populated as customers stayed home on Sunday afternoon following a winter blast.
Armstrong County residents navigated threats of massive snow over the weekend - threats that didn’t prove exactly on target.
On Friday, the PA Department of Transportation in coordination with the governor’s office declared a state of emergency ahead of an impending storm that was to bring as much as a foot of snow or more throughout the Commonwealth. Travel restrictions were put in place, but then lifted as the weather activity was downgraded to just a winter storm.
The storm brought mostly rain late Saturday, turning to snow by early Sunday morning.
Kittanning Borough Street Worker Randy Ditty shovels salt from truck and scatters on sidewalk at the entrance to municipal parking lots.
Kittanning Borough Superintendent of Public Works Jim Mechling said road crews were called out at 7AM and had roads plowed and treated in time for church services.
The threat, however, closed many houses of worship yesterday. The Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance at Second Baptist Church was cancelled yesterday. Restaurants had few customers, and the two plazas in East Franklin Township were relatively vacant for a Sunday afternoon as people continued to hibernate through the weekend, having stocked up on Friday with food necessary for weekend meal preparations.
“I want to thank all Pennsylvanians for heeding our request to stay off the roads, which made a big difference in allowing plow crews to do their jobs, keep roads cleared and people safe,” Governor Wolf said. “The tail end of this storm is bringing a blast of freezing air with wind chills expected to be well below zero, so we remain vigilant to ensure the safety of all residents and travelers.”
With the major threat of snow diminished, now Armstrong County residents will turn their attention to water pipes and heating systems that will be hard-hit with sub-zero wind chills during the next 36 hours.
This roadway in East Franklin Township was plowed, but required careful travel yesterday morning.
“We remain prepared and activated at PEMA to ensure all needs are being met and Pennsylvanians are safe and warm,” said PEMA Acting Director Randy Padfield. “I would encourage everyone at home to ensure that they’re ready for the bitter cold and strong winds that will be moving across the state today.”
State officials continue to urge motorists to use caution in the aftermath of the storm, postpone travel if possible, reduce speeds and be aware of the potential for rapidly changing weather and roadway conditions throughout the day and overnight.
For updates on the hour, listen to WTYM radio (AM 1380 / FM 103.7).