| In the early morning hours of 12/19/2009, the National Weather Service reported that a major winter storm was approaching the Philadelphia Region that had already left significant amounts of snowfall in the Virginia and Maryland areas. The snowfall started early in the morning and continued throughout the day. Estimates from the National Weather Service for the area for today include the second heaviest snowfall recorded in Philadelphia at 23.2 inches. The record is 30.7 inches which was set in January 1996. This storm produced an estimated 14 inches of snow in Downingtown Borough and effectively shut down the roadways around town.
Minquas Fire and EMS services responded to this threat to the public by establishing stand by staffing at Minquas with extra EMS crews and full staffing for Engines 46-1 and 46-2, Squad 46, and Air 46 for the duration of the storm. Multiple members of Fire and EMS were on station for extended periods of time to help out. During the storm we responded to multiple requests for assistance, including running the Squad on all medical calls for four wheel drive assistance at scenes. We also had time to work on station maintenance tasks and enjoy some home-cooked meals together courtesy of our ladies auxiliary and Captain Swisher.
Crews were clear of the station around mid-day on Sunday. |
