Philadelphia public school buildings will be closed Tuesday, after nearly 10 inches of snow and ice fell on the city Sunday.
Unlike Monday, when students and teachers were relieved of their duties for a traditional ‘snow day,’ the School District of Philadelphia will be operating on a virtual learning schedule.
Municipal government offices and the First Judicial District court system will shut down for the second straight day, city leaders announced.
“We are not out of the woods, Philadelphia,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said during a Monday afternoon press briefing. “We are not claiming victory at all right now.”
Trash collection, which was suspended Monday, will resume Tuesday, with the pickup schedule being pushed back a day for the remainder of the week.
In addition, residents of blocks where collection is usually done in the rear driveway are asked to put their garbage out front near the curb. People in areas with twice-a-week trash pickup are advised that the second collection will not happen this week, consistent with the Sanitation Department’s holiday policy.
SEPTA, as of late Monday afternoon, has restored 37 bus routes, and Scott Sauer, the authority’s general manager, said he expected a majority will be operational for the Tuesday morning commute.
All Metro service, including the Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line and trolley routes, were up and running Monday, though the Center City trolley tunnel is closed and vehicles are being diverted to 40th and Market streets.
Transit officials anticipate reopening Regional Rail Tuesday on a Saturday schedule, and paratransit services are set to return.
“We will get as much service as possible back for tomorrow for those who do have to return to somewhat normal travel,” Sauer said.
At Philadelphia International Airport, 9.3 inches of precipitation was documented, the highest snowfall in a decade, according to the National Weather Service. A prolonged stretch of frigid temperatures will descend on the region Monday night and remain through the rest of the week, the NWS reported.
The Parker administration has deployed more than 800 vehicles to plow, salt and lift away snow, and she has promised to hit every block.
“Whatever we don’t get could possibly freeze,” said Carlton Williams, the director of the city’s Office of Clean and Green Initiatives. “We do not have a timeline, but we’re going to continue working through these very challenging circumstances.”
A snow emergency declaration remains in effect, meaning drivers cannot park on designated routes. Nearly 350 cars have been towed since Sunday. Anyone who believes their vehicle was removed is advised to call 215-686-SNOW (7669).
City leaders reminded residents and business owners that they are required to clear a pathway that is at least 36 inches wide on the sidewalk. Inspectors will be ticketing those who do not comply, the Parker administration stated.
Warming centers will remain open for homeless individuals and those without access to heat. Visit phila.gov/getwarm for a continuously updated list of locations and hours of operation.
