City of Philadelphia Provides Updates on Response to Winter Storm

PHILADELPHIA - The City of Philadelphia is continuing its coordinated response to the winter storm that began early Sunday morning. Overnight and morning conditions have resulted in hazardous travel and ongoing snow accumulation across the city. As of 1 p.m. today, a total of 7.4 inches had been recorded at Philadelphia International Airport, the city's largest snowfall in five years.

City departments and partner agencies have been operating around the clock since the storm's onset, with crews actively plowing and treating roadways, responding to emergencies, and supporting residents and businesses during severe winter conditions.

During a press conference this morning, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City officials shared an update on the City's response so far, as well as next steps residents and businesses can expect as the storm continues, and recovery efforts are ongoing.

"Snow began falling in the early morning hours, and our teams were fully deployed before the first flakes hit the ground," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "We are continuing 24-hour operations to keep major roads clear, maintain critical services, and protect our most vulnerable residents. I urge everyone to stay off the roads if you can, follow the Snow Emergency regulations, and look out for one another."

"This storm is expected to evolve and can bring a mix of wintry precipitation, including slush and ice, which could lead to power outages," said Dominick Mireles, Deputy Managing Director - Community Safety. "With temperatures remaining at or below freezing throughout the week, any accumulation will linger. Residents are urged to prepare now by having at least one gallon of water per person for three days, charging electronic devices, and checking on neighbors. Let's keep ready and continue to take care of one another."

Ongoing Snow Emergency Operations

The City's Snow Emergency, declared by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and effective Saturday at 9 p.m., remains in effect. During this period:

• Parking is prohibited on all designated Snow Emergency Routes to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles to operate safely.

• Vehicles blocking routes may be ticketed and towed.

• Travel should be limited to essential purposes only.

City agencies remain fully activated as storm conditions continue. By the numbers:

• The Streets Department has mobilized approximately 600 pieces of equipment at the height of the operation.

• More than 1,000 City employees are working around the clock to clear snow and sleet from streets and roadways across Philadelphia.

Service Impacts and Reminders

Due to dangerously cold conditions, the City has declared an Enhanced Code Blue and activated additional measures to protect people experiencing homelessness. Warming Centers are open citywide and available to anyone in need. If you see someone outside who may need assistance, call (215) 232-1984 for outreach and transportation support.

Trash and Recycling Collections

• All trash and recycling collections are suspended on Monday, January 26.

• Collections will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

• No rear-driveway collections will occur for the rest of the week. Residents should place materials in front of their homes for pickup, as icy driveways can limit equipment access.

• Second trash collection in areas that normally receive it is suspended for the week of January 26.

• Delays are expected as crews navigate snow- and ice-covered streets. Collection schedules may be further adjusted depending on storm impacts and the progress of plowing operations.

Residents who are unable to hold their materials may use one of the City's six Sanitation Convenience Centers, open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A list of locations is available at phila.gov/sanitation.

Suspended SEPTA Services

Due to winter storm conditions, SEPTA has suspended all Regional Rail service and Bus service, as well as Metro Route G1, effective 2 p.m. today.

• T1 service is suspended.

• All remaining T lines are operating on reduced service.

• Metro routes L, B, D, and M will continue to operate.

• Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line subway service remains in operation.

Riders are encouraged to check SEPTA's website and social media channels for the latest service updates.

Roads and Highways

Motorists are strongly advised not to travel during the storm. While the disaster declaration does not explicitly prohibit travel, local road restrictions may be in effect.

If travel is essential, PennDOT urges drivers to check current conditions before departing. Real-time roadway and weather information is available at 511PA.com, which provides color-coded winter road conditions, traffic delays, weather forecasts, speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. The 511PA system is free and available 24/7 online, via the 511 mobile app, by calling 5-1-1, or through regional alerts on X.

Delays and Cancellations at PHL International Airport

As of this afternoon, 651 of the 672 scheduled flights for today have been canceled. Airport crews are actively working to clear the airfield and surrounding roadways in preparation for tomorrow's operations. At this time, approximately 80 flights are already canceled for tomorrow, and travelers are strongly encouraged to check directly with their airline for the most up-to-date flight information before heading to the airport.

Power Outages

Snow, ice, and high wind gusts can contribute to power outages. Philadelphia's power utility company, PECO, offers ways to help before, during, and after a storm, including preventing outages, preparing for storms, storm restoration, reporting outages online, and tracking current outages. Click on the "Outages" drop-down menu on their homepage. PECO's free mobile app also lets you easily report outages and stay up to date on restoration status.
If a tree falls during a storm and poses an immediate safety threat, call 911. Otherwise, call the City's non-emergency number 311. A crew of arborists from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is on-call to respond to tree emergencies. If a tree has fallen on electrical wires, please call PECO's emergency line: 1-800-841-4141.

Safety Guidance for Residents

Residents are advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel and allow extra time if driving is required.

• Drive cautiously by allowing additional travel time and maintaining safe following distances, as frigid temperatures and cold ground conditions will cause snow and ice to accumulate quickly on untreated roads.

• Move vehicles off Snow Emergency Routes when a Snow Emergency is declared to allow for effective plowing and emergency access.

• Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. This is illegal, unsafe, and interferes with snow removal operations.

• Protect against frozen pipes: If you have exposed pipes or a history of frozen pipes, let your faucet run at a slow drip overnight when temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for two or more days, especially in areas that cannot be kept above 40°F.

• Clear sidewalks within six hours after the storm ends, creating a path at least 36 inches wide. Corner property owners must also clear curb ramps as an extension of the sidewalk.

• Keep fire hydrants clear so emergency crews can access them quickly.

• Clear snow from neighborhood storm drains to help melting snow drain properly and reduce flooding.

• Check on and assist vulnerable neighbors whenever possible.

Note to Media: Photos documenting the City's storm preparation and response efforts will be available in a shared media album that will be continuously updated throughout the weather event. Media may download and use images at the following link, with credit to City of Philadelphia.

The City will continue to issue public information throughout the duration of the storm.