Mayor Cherelle Parker continued to encourage Philadelphians to stay off the roads and give plowing crews space to clear streets, as precipitation from a major winter storm wrapped up Monday afternoon.
Snow began Sunday and stretched into Monday, and the National Weather Service reported 14 inches of accumulation at Philadelphia International Airport. Forecasters are calling for warmer temperatures, at least compared to what followed the Jan. 25 snow and ice storm; city leaders are hopeful that the cleanup will be easier this time around.
“For those who do not have to travel and drive, we encourage you to stay inside,” Parker said at a Monday afternoon news conference in East Falls.
Officials have not yet announced whether city public schools will reopen for in-person classes Tuesday. A decision is expected in the coming hours.
Carlton Williams, director of the city’s Office of Clean and Green initiatives, said 65% of Philadelphia streets have been plowed or salted, as of early Monday afternoon. The Parker administration is deploying smaller vehicles to address narrower blocks, he added.
“The message for today again to our residents is patience,” Williams said. “We’re coming. We have not forgotten about you.”
Residents can check an online dashboard, StreetSmartPHL, to check the last time a plow has visited their streets.
Early Monday afternoon, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation lifted all restrictions and special speed limits on highways in the Philadelphia region.
A snow emergency remains in effect, meaning drivers are still barred from parking on designated routes.
Trash and recycling pickup has been suspended for Monday and Tuesday. The collection schedule will proceed two days behind schedule for the remainder of the week, the Parker administration stated.
Parker said municipal employees have responded to nearly 50 tree-related emergencies. Wet snow and wind gusts are putting pressure on limbs, officials added.
Philadelphia should call 911 if they see a fallen tree that is blocking a road, or if a limb has crashed into a vehicle or home. A fallen tree on electrical wires should be reported to PECO’s emergency line at 800-841-4141. Non-emergency tree issues can be logged into the 311 system.
The Parker administration opened warming centers Sunday night, serving more than 250 people overnight. The sites are designed to serve homeless people and those who lack sufficient heat in their house. An updated map of warming centers is available at phila.gov/getwarm.
Anyone concerned about someone living on the street can call the city’s homeless outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.
Philadelphia International Airport remained open throughout the storm; however, more than 600 flights have been canceled. Travelers should check with their airline about flight status.
