PHILADELPHIA – With a forecast calling for snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches starting late Monday evening overnight into Tuesday afternoon, city crews have been deployed in advance of the winter storm.
Streets Department crews mobilized at 6pm on Monday and dispatched a contingent of vehicles as part of its salt operations. In preparation for the event, brine was applied on Sunday. “This is our first snow event with measurable snow in almost two years,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Our city workers are treating this as a full-scale winter weather event. We want to stay ahead of this storm, so our Streets Department is deploying a hybrid of different kinds of vehicles that will treat the entire city. We’re working around the clock in a collaborative manner to keep our streets and roads clear and our residents safe.”
The snowfall is expected to end around noon on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 20’s and 30’s all week which will likely create icy conditions. Salting will continue throughout the day on all streets including residential. Contractors will be brought in to support salting operations to help ensure all streets are treated. Another snow event is expected on Friday with similar conditions. The city wants to ensure all the roads have been treated before the next snowfall.
The snow is expected to impact the morning commute. Motorists are reminded to allow extra time and maintain safe driving distances to allow for sudden stopping. The frigid temperatures and cold ground will make it easy for snow to accumulate and cause slippery travel on untreated roadways.
Trash and Recycling Collections:
Residents are reminded due to the Martin Luther King Jr holiday trash and recycling collections are on a holiday schedule this week. Residents should set their materials out one day later than normal this week for pickup.
Snow Reminders:
- Pile snow on the sidewalk along the curb line. Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. This practice is illegal, unsafe and hinders snow operations. The penalty for violating this can range from $50 to $300 for each violation.
- Clear a sidewalk path at least 3 feet wide within six hours of the end of the storm.
- Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.
Stay Informed:
- Tune to local news for weather updates.
- Track the progress of snow operations at streetsmartphl.phila.gov. Click on the PlowPHL tab.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and weather updates from ReadyPhiladelphia at phila.gov/ready.
- For more winter weather tips, visit the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management online at phila.gov/ready.
- For official updates from the City, follow @PhilaOEM on Twitter or Facebook.
- Other City Twitter accounts to follow for information: @PhiladelphiaGov and @PhilaStreets.