Just a few short days after the lingering snow coverage from late January’s storm, Philadelphia and the surrounding area are once again facing winter’s fury. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation of a disaster emergency on Sunday.
“It’s a major snow storm with real accumulations anticipated and it is heading our way,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said over the weekend.
The city will deploy more than 1,000 workers and over 800 pieces of equipment to clear streets and sidewalks, using some of the 25,000 tons of salt that remains in the city’s reserves.
“We will do whatever it takes, however long it takes” Parker said. “What is our priority? It’s clear: safety, coordination and staying ahead of this storm to the best of our ability, and we’re going to do everything that we possibly can to keep you safe.”
A Code Blue is in effect in Philadelphia through 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, which implements special measures to keep people who are experiencing homelessness safe.
Saturday night, Parker announced the city would be under a snow emergency effective 4 p.m. Sunday. That declaration is designed to help snowplows clear the roads on designated snow emergency routes. Those routes – listed on the city’s website – must be clear of vehicles or dumpsters. If not, vehicles and dumpsters may be ticketed and towed.
To help drivers who need to move, the Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering 24-hour, $5 flat-rate parking at the following lots:
- AutoPark at Independence Mall (5th and Market streets)
- AutoPark at Jefferson (10th and Ludlow streets)
- AutoPark at the Fashion District (10th and Filbert streets)
- AutoPark at Old City (2nd and Sansom streets)
- Parkade on 8th (801 Filbert St.)
Philly schools have already exhausted the snow days built into the calendar. While school buildings will be closed Monday, students were sent home Friday with Chromebooks to do virtual learning to start the week.
While hundreds of flights have already been canceled at Philadelphia International Airport, SEPTA officials say bus and train service will continue as long as it is safe to do so. Any cancellations or service suspensions will be posted online.
