Several area events cancelled
As SE Pennsylvania struggles to rebound from last week’s major winter storm, a new Nor’easter is heading our way that is expected to deliver heavy, wet snow and gusty winds to most of the Philadelphia region. The severe weather alert lasts from Tuesday 11 PM through Thursday 7 AM.
The United Methodist Association of Communicators has canceled its Local Church Communications School, scheduled for Wednesday at Haddonfield UMC in Haddonfield, N.J., due to the severe weather forecast and travel warnings.
United Methodist-related Albright College cancelled its Unity of Spirit Celebration, scheduled for Wednesday at 7 PM.
Meanwhile, prayers are requested especially for congregations and communities in the North District’s Poconos and nearby areas. They are still trying to recover from last Friday’s storm and its accumulation of over a foot of snow in some areas, which resulted in power outages, cancellation of Sunday services, downed trees and more. Many do not expect to see power restored until this Wednesday when the next snowstorm is expected to deliver with 6-12 inches.
Here is more information from the Rev. Irving Cotto, superintendent, and Sheila Milz, resource assistant, in the North District office:
Currently we are aware of the following United Methodist congregations affected by the storm: Mountainhome, Keokee Chapel, Canadensis, Tobyhanna, Pocono Lake, Mt. Pocono, and Covenant. No doubt this list is much longer. Some clergy and members are staying warm via fireplace, wood burning stove, or similar method. Others are using generators or have checked into motels/hotels. Located in the heart of town, Canadensis UMC has power while surrounding areas do not, including its pastor as well as the church and parsonage in Mountainhome just two miles away. Pastors are checking on the needs of their congregants. And some churches with power are opening their doors to offer people a warm place to stay and/or take showers, and other community assistance. Those who do have power, may not have Wifi access if their service provider is PenTeleData (i.e. ptd.net).
Please pray for the restoration of power, the well-being of all affected, and the minimization of snow if none on Wednesday. If there is damage to church property, please contact the conference insurance company.
Here is more weather forecast information for our area.
(Source: Philadelphia’s NBC-10 TV)
The storm could bring down power lines and cause messy roads, with the height of the storm likely to strike Wednesday evening, making for dangerous travel. The snow will be difficult to shovel, and those with heart conditions should use caution. Neighbors should check on neighbors.
EXPECTED SNOW TOTALS
7 to 12 Inches
- The Poconos
- Lehigh Valley including Allentown and Bethlehem
- Berks County including Reading
- Northern Chester County including Coatesville
- Northern and western sections of Montgomery and Bucks counties including Pottstown, Pennsburg, Quakertown and Perkasie
5 to 9 Inches
- Southern Chester County including Kennett Square, West Chester and Malvern
- Central and southern Montgomery and Bucks counties including Abington, King of Prussia, Lansdale, Willow Grove, Bristol, Lower Merion Township and Doylestown
- Most of Mercer County (with exception to the southern edge) including Ewing and Hopewell townships and Trenton
- Extreme northwestern Philadelphia including Chestnut Hill and Roxborough
- Northernmost edge of Delaware County
2 to 6 Inches
- Most of Philadelphia
- Most of Delco including Chester, Radnor Township and Havertown
- Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties including Mount Laurel, Tabernacle, Camden, Cherry Hill, Washington Township, Glassboro, Pittsgrove Township, and Woodstown
- Northern Delaware including Wilmington and New Castle