Disaster emergency issued in Philadelphia for major winter storm, snow emergency remains in effect
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker issued a disaster emergency for the city Sunday as a major winter storm brings heavy snow and wind to the region.
The declaration came a day after the mayor issued a snow emergency for the city, which went into effect at 4 p.m. Sunday.
"This declaration of a Disaster Emergency will allow the @PhiladelphiaGov to more effectively fight this large and dangerous storm as it rolls in, including our ability to execute emergency management measures to reduce the severity of this disaster and to protect the health, safety, property, and welfare of Philadelphia residents," Parker said on social media.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also issued a statewide disaster emergency declaration in anticipation of the storm.
Moving your car during a snow emergency
Parker and other city officials made the announcement about the snow emergency Saturday afternoon, urging residents to plan to move their vehicles to avoid the risk of being towed and allow crews to prepare the roads before the storm arrives.
The city has 110 miles of designated snow emergency routes. If you normally park along one of those streets, like Broad Street, you'll need to find another spot or your car will be ticketed and towed. As of 9 a.m. Sunday, the Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering $5 parking at its garages.
The PPA suspended all meter and time limit violations starting at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Are Philadelphia schools closed Monday?
School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington said classes will be held virtually on Monday, Feb. 23.
Watlington said the district builds in one snow day each year and used it Jan. 26, when the region saw its biggest snowfall in a decade. As a result, classes will be held online.
Flight cancellations at Philadelphia International Airport
Hundreds of flights scheduled to depart from or arrive at Philadelphia International Airport on Monday have been canceled because of the winter weather.
As of 2 a.m., four flights were delayed, and 602 were canceled, according to FlightAware.
More than 350 flights in and out of PHL were canceled on Sunday.
Department of Aviation Public Affairs Manager Heather Redfern said regional storms like this can have a ripple effect around the country.
Trash collection suspended for 2 days in Philadelphia
Trash and recycling collections in Philadelphia will be suspended for two days this week because of the major snowstorm hitting the region.
Due to the storm, sanitation crews and equipment will be diverted to snow operations.
For this week, Monday collections will be picked up Wednesday, and Tuesday's collections will be picked up Thursday. Collections for the rest of the week will continue in the same sequence, with trash picked up two days behind the regular schedule.
Is SEPTA running Sunday and Monday?
SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said the agency has 4,000 pounds of salt and began treating platforms Saturday night.
SEPTA announced Sunday night that bus routes would be suspended at 10 p.m. and other service restrictions are also in place.
Here's what to know:
- The Center City Trolley Tunnel (T Lines) will close at 9 p.m.; however trolleys will continue until end of service Sunday night or until conditions warrant.
- D Line Trolley: currently on bus substitution. Service Sunday night will end at 10 p.m., and train service Monday morning will depend on conditions.
- M Line (Norristown High Speed Line): Trains will operate until end of scheduled service.
- Regional Rail: Service will operate until the end of scheduled service Sunday night.
Sauer said riders should expect significant delays, cancellations and possible service shutdowns.
City ramping up snow response
Carlton Williams, the director of the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives in Philadelphia, said his department is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to this round of snow.
"Ultimately, it's gonna be a big one, and we're gonna be ready for it," Williams said. "We're expecting somewhere between 12 to 18 inches of snow."
Williams said about 1,000 city workers and 800 pieces of equipment, including various snow plows, will be deployed to clear streets as quickly as possible. He added that crews will work not only on primary and secondary roads but also on residential streets.
He also urged residents not to park illegally on street corners to ensure crews can clear roads effectively.
To handle snow removal, the city has secured two snow melters to be placed near residential areas where plowing isn't enough. Williams said the city may bring in a third melter if needed. He said existing snow storage locations are at or near capacity, so the extra melters will help manage heavy accumulations, particularly on narrow streets.
The city says the melters are capable of liquefying 145 tons of snow per hour. During the last storm on Jan. 25th, the city only had one.
PennDOT, PA Turnpike travel restrictions
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are implementing vehicle restrictions on several major highways beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday as winter weather moves into the region. Officials said speed limits may be reduced to 45 mph on affected roadways for all vehicles.
Restrictions are expected along the entire length of the following interstates:
- I-78 entire length
- I-80 from I-81 to New Jersey
- I-81 entire length
- I-83 entire length
- I-84 entire length
- I-95 entire length
- I-283 entire length
- I-295 entire length
- I-380 entire length
- I-476 entire length
- I-676 entire length
- Route 33 entire length
- U.S. 22 from I-78 to New Jersey
- PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to PA Turnpike I-276
- PA Turnpike I-276 entire length
- PA Turnpike Northeast Extension I-476 entire length
PennDOT warns that whiteout conditions and snow squalls are expected. Drivers who must travel are urged to use caution. If caught in a snow squall, drivers are asked to turn on hazard lights and reduce speed. During whiteouts, drivers should pull off the roadway only when it is safe to do so and should not stop in active lanes of traffic, which could trigger chain-reaction crashes.
Officials urged travelers to check road conditions before heading out and to allow extra time for travel.