Philadelphia is bracing for a significant winter storm, with a snow emergency declared starting Saturday, January 24th at 9 p.m. and lasting through 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 26th. The declaration means residents should prepare for travel disruptions and hazardous conditions as the city prepares to combat accumulating snowfall.
Here’s how Philadelphia is preparing for the weekend’s winter weather.
- A snow emergency is in effect from 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday.
- Residents must move vehicles off snow emergency routes to avoid ticketing or towing.
- Warming centers will be open for anyone seeking shelter from the cold.
- Trash collection is delayed by one day citywide.
Crews Pre-Treating Roads Ahead of Storm
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The Philadelphia Streets Department has begun applying brine to major roadways as a preventative measure against ice formation. Once the storm arrives, hundreds of trucks, loaders, and excavators will be deployed throughout the city to clear accumulating snow. Following the storm, crews will remove snow to designated storage areas, and a snow melting machine will assist in the effort.
Track Snow Removal in Real Time
Philadelphia officials have launched an interactive map allowing residents to monitor the progress of snow plow operations. The map provides a live view of where plows are actively working to clear streets.
Sidewalk Clearing Requirements
Property owners are required to clear a 36-inch pathway on sidewalks within six hours after the snow stops falling. Failure to comply could result in a $1,000 fine.
Code Blue Declared: Warming Centers Available
The city’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 11 p.m. on Saturday, January 24th, as an Enhanced Code Blue goes into effect. Over a dozen warming centers will be accessible to all Philadelphia residents during the storm. These centers are open to anyone seeking refuge from the cold.
If you encounter someone experiencing homelessness or sleeping outdoors during the storm, please contact the Office of Homeless Services at 215-232-1984.
Find more information on warming centers here.
Parking Restrictions in Effect
Vehicles must be moved from designated snow emergency routes. Drivers should check for signs reading “SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTE” in white letters on a red background. Cars parked on these routes will be ticketed or towed to facilitate snow removal.
Drivers should avoid parking near street corners to ensure snow plows can maneuver effectively. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering a flat $5 rate for 24-hour parking at its lots. To redeem the discount, bring your parking ticket to the PPA Management Office at each garage.
If your vehicle is towed during the snow emergency, call 215-686-SNOW or visit this website.
Trash Collection Delayed
Trash collection will be suspended for one day due to the storm. No trash or recycling will be collected on Monday, January 26th, resulting in a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. Residents are asked to be patient with collection crews as they navigate the snowy and icy conditions.
Residents can dispose of trash at one of the city’s six sanitation convenience centers, open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. More information is available here.
School Closures Announced
The School District of Philadelphia has announced that all public schools will be closed on Monday, January 26th. All after-school activities are also canceled. Students have been provided with laptops to continue their schoolwork remotely.
Protecting Your Pipes from Freezing
Even after the storm passes, a prolonged period of very cold temperatures is forecast. These conditions could cause pipes to freeze or burst. If you experience a sudden loss of water or suspect a leak, check with your neighbors. If they do not have the same issue, contact a plumber immediately.
To prevent frozen pipes:
- Let a faucet trickle overnight.
- Keep the area around your water meter above 40 degrees.
- Cover drafty or cracked windows near exposed pipes.
- Check faucets for water flow before bed and upon waking.
To report a gas leak or gas-related emergency, call 215-235-1212. Report a PECO power outage by texting “ADDOUTAGE” to 697326 or visiting this website.
Stay Informed
Philadelphia residents can sign up for the city’s emergency alert system, ReadyPhiladelphia, by texting “READYPHILA” to 888-777 or visiting the Office of Emergency Management’s website.
