Monster storm triggers Philly snow emergency
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Philadelphia has declared a snow emergency ahead of this weekend's potentially monster winter storm.
Why it matters: At least a foot of snow could fall throughout the Philly region, creating a nightmare for commuters at the start of the workweek.
State of play: Mayor Cherelle Parker, flanked by city officials, said during a news conference on Friday that the storm will create hazardous roadway conditions and called on people to limit travel, if necessary.
- The city's snow emergency runs from at least 9pm Saturday until roadway conditions improve.
- The city will fully activate its Emergency Operations Center on Saturday night.
The latest: The Philly school district has canceled classes on Monday for its roughly 114,000 students, with some already planning to go virtual on Tuesday.
- Trash and recycling pickup in the city is suspended for at least Monday.
- Two-day-a-week trash collection is canceled, and driveway collections are nixed.
What they're saying: "Please take this storm seriously," Parker said.
- "We won't leave any neighborhood, any block or any community behind," she added about the city's cleanup effort.
🚗 Zoom in: City officials called on residents to move their vehicles from the city roads (where possible), especially on designated snow emergency routes, to allow for access for emergency vehicles and snowplows.
- Vehicles parked in front of fire hydrants and in intersections will be towed.
Plus: The city is also planning on plowing not only primary roadways, but lesser traveled neighborhood streets.
🅿️ Discount parking: Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering a 24-hour $5 rate at several Center City garages effective Saturday at 7pm.
🧮 By the numbers: The city has mobilized over 1,000 workers to take on the storm, along with outside contractors, to respond to the storm. The city also has:
- 30,000 pounds of salt
- 600 pieces of equipment, including an industrial-sized melter to help business corridors remain accessible
What else: The city's Enhanced Code Blue remains in place, which includes providing warming centers at recreation centers and libraries
📞 Worth noting: The city's 311 service will be operational during the storm.
- Yes, but: City crews will respond to service calls taken during the winter storm only after the cleanup operation is complete, Carlton Williams, the city's director of the Office of Clean and Green, said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates