PHILADELPHIA – After a fierce winter storm that left much of the Northeast buried under snow, Philadelphia is now working through the cleanup while residents face lingering travel challenges. The storm, which began with heavy snow, powerful winds, and blizzard-like conditions, has left a substantial impact across the region, including significant snowfall totals and widespread power outages.
Snowfall has largely tapered off, though strong winds remain a concern, with gusts still expected throughout the day. The National Weather Service reports winter storm and blizzard warnings have been lifted for the Philadelphia area, though some snow showers may continue intermittently. Freezing temperatures are anticipated for tonight, increasing the risk of slippery roads and walkways.
Philadelphia received up to 14 inches of snow by Monday evening, with some suburban areas seeing higher totals. Despite the end of heavy snow, city streets remain covered in thick layers of snow and ice, making travel hazardous. Crews continue working relentlessly to plow and salt major roads, but secondary roads and residential neighborhoods remain a concern, especially in areas like Olney and East Falls. PHLPlow technology enables residents to track real-time plowing activity, with 71% of city streets treated by 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
As of Monday afternoon, over 155,000 power outages were reported across the Philadelphia region. Delaware County and parts of New Jersey are among the hardest-hit areas, with Ocean County in New Jersey experiencing the most outages. Strong winds, reaching up to 45 mph, have also caused significant tree damage and downed power lines. Crews from the Department of Parks and Recreation are actively responding to more than 100 downed trees, with additional inspections expected to continue into the spring.
The School District of Philadelphia announced it would operate virtually on Tuesday. With snow days already exhausted earlier in the winter, the district decided to proceed with remote learning to ensure the safety of students and staff. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering $5 flat-rate parking in select Center City garages for those who need to relocate their vehicles off Snow Emergency Routes.
The city’s Enhanced Code Blue remains in effect to provide shelter and protection for individuals experiencing homelessness. Additional warming centers have been activated, with more than 250 individuals using these centers overnight. Free Library locations are serving as daytime warming sites, while recreation centers continue to operate as overnight shelters. The Homeless Street Outreach Hotline remains available at 215-232-1984 for those who see individuals in need of shelter.
Philadelphia International Airport resumed flights at 2:20 p.m. Monday, but travelers are advised to check with their airlines for potential delays or cancellations. More than 600 flights have been canceled at PHL, and the total number of cancellations nationwide has surpassed 5,000.
PennDOT and PA Turnpike have lifted travel restrictions on major highways. Speed limits have also been restored on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, although drivers are urged to continue exercising caution due to lingering icy patches.
Trash and recycling collections in Philadelphia have been suspended for both Monday and Tuesday, with a two-day delay expected. Residents are advised to place materials in front of their homes, not in rear driveways, to ensure safe pickups. Sanitation Convenience Centers remain open for drop-offs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Philadelphia officials have reminded residents that pet owners can face fines up to $500 for leaving dogs outside during extreme cold without adequate shelter. The ACCT Philly hotline is available for reporting concerns about animals exposed to the cold. Additionally, residents are encouraged to clear sidewalks and fire hydrants after the storm to ensure public safety and access to emergency services. The city continues to share storm updates through its website and social media channels. To receive real-time alerts, residents can text READYPHILA to 888-777 for emergency notifications.
