A powerful winter storm continues to impact the Philadelphia region, dumping more than a foot of snow across the area, creating hazardous travel conditions and significant disruptions. With blizzard-like conditions, heavy snowfall, and powerful winds, this storm has become one of the most intense to hit the region in recent years.
The storm, which began Sunday evening, brought heavy snow throughout the night, and by Monday afternoon, Philadelphia International Airport had recorded 14 inches of snow. Parts of the region, including Delaware, New Jersey, and surrounding Pennsylvania counties, saw totals exceeding 18 inches, with some areas like Langhorne, PA, reporting 22 inches. The storm’s intensity was amplified by snow rates exceeding 2 inches per hour in certain parts of the city, including the Lower Bucks County region, which experienced the heaviest accumulations.
As snow begins to taper off, the National Weather Service has lifted winter storm and blizzard warnings for the area, though freezing temperatures are expected to make conditions treacherous, especially with the risk of black ice forming on roadways overnight. City officials urge residents to remain cautious as roads and sidewalks remain slippery and difficult to navigate.
City crews have been working around the clock to clear major roadways, with over 1,000 city workers and more than 800 pieces of snow-clearing equipment deployed to the streets. Despite these efforts, secondary roads and residential neighborhoods remain challenging, with certain areas still covered in heavy snow and ice. The city’s PHLPlow technology continues to track snow removal progress, and citywide updates are available on the interactive map.
The storm’s severity has caused widespread power outages, with over 155,000 people affected across the region. The PECO service area in Philadelphia alone reported 332 outages. Power outages were particularly severe in Ocean County, New Jersey, and Sussex County, Delaware.
Travel disruptions have been widespread, with Philadelphia International Airport experiencing over 600 flight cancellations on Monday. Residents and travelers are advised to monitor flight statuses directly with airlines for updates on delays or cancellations.
Due to the snowstorm, the School District of Philadelphia will operate virtually on Tuesday, following the exhaustion of built-in snow days earlier in the winter. The district had provided students with Chromebooks to ensure that remote learning continues. Other educational institutions, including Archdiocesan schools, have also transitioned to flexible instruction days.
An Enhanced Code Blue remains in effect until Wednesday, February 25 to ensure the safety of individuals experiencing homelessness. Under the Code Blue, additional measures are being implemented, including 24-hour outreach and emergency shelter activation to accommodate those in need. City-funded shelters and warming centers are open, and individuals who see someone in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984.
City officials have confirmed that trash and recycling collections will be suspended for Monday and Tuesday, with delays expected for the remainder of the week. The Sanitation Convenience Centers are open for drop-offs. Residents are also reminded to clear sidewalks within six hours of snowfall cessation, with penalties for non-compliance.
The city continues to remind residents to shovel snow properly and avoid pushing snow into the streets, which can hinder plowing efforts. Additionally, city officials warn that pet owners can face fines of up to $500 if their pets are left outside in the extreme cold without proper shelter. Despite the end of the major snowstorm, the region remains under a NEXT Weather Alert for the potential of rain and snow showers on Thursday, which could bring more minor accumulations. In the meantime, sunny and milder conditions are expected by the weekend, with temperatures reaching the low 50s.
