City leverages PHLPlow technology to enhance efficiency and public transparency

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City of Philadelphia officials today provided an operational update as a Snow Emergency remained in effect and a significant winter storm impacted the region with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions.

As of 1 p.m., the National Weather Service reported 14.0 inches of snow at Philadelphia International Airport, with total accumulation varying throughout the city. With blowing and drifting snow expected to remain a challenge even as snowfall tapered off, officials warn travel could be difficult in some areas and are urging residents to avoid unnecessary trips while crews focus on clearing roadways.

Until the Snow Emergency is lifted by the City, people cannot park in areas that are posted as emergency routes. PPA continues to offer a $5 flat fee parking in designated garages in Center City for people who need to move a vehicle from an emergency route. If your vehicle was relocated from an emergency route, call 215-686-SNOW to get information about where to pick it up.

"This is a major winter storm, and our One Philly response is fully activated," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, at a midday news conference in East Falls to provide an update on the City's coordinated storm response. "More than 1,000 City employees and 800 pieces of equipment are working around the clock to keep roads passable and residents safe. I had the opportunity to see this work firsthand today, and I want Philadelphians to know - if you haven't seen a plow on your block yet, you will very soon. In the meantime, please avoid unnecessary travel today and give our crews the space they need to do their jobs."

"Our crews have been working around the clock to fight this storm," said Carlton Williams, Director, Office of Clean and Green. "Residential streets are being treated along with primary and secondary roads to ensure all roadways are safe to travel citywide. This is the new standard set by Mayor Parker. Additionally, we are using every tool in the toolbox including three snow melters and newly purchased snow blowers to address tight areas ADA ramps, intersections, crosswalks, and bike lanes during operations."

Later in the day, the City of Philadelphia announced that city offices would open for business tomorrow. The First Judicial District reported similarly that all courts are open tomorrow. The School District of Philadelphia will remain on virtual instruction for all students tomorrow.

City Response and Operations

More than 1,000 personnel and over 800 trucks and pieces of equipment are mobilized across Philadelphia as part of the Streets Department's Winter Weather Operation. This includes large triaxle snowplows, dump trucks, Sanitation trash trucks mounted with plows, pickup trucks, and smaller equipment treating narrow streets. Crews from multiple City agencies, as well as contractors, will continue to plow and salt roadways as temperatures drop overnight, excavate snow from tight neighborhood streets, and transport snow by the tons to storage sites and snow melters.

City officials also report ongoing impacts from strong wind gusts up to 45 mph, contributing to tree damage and scattered outages. The Department of Parks and Recreation crews have already responded to 100 trees down throughout Philadelphia and 70 inspections have been made, with continued work to clear the trees that are considered emergencies. Even after the snow event, inspectors will continue throughout the spring since the heavy snow and winds could compromise even more trees.

In addition to around-the-clock field operations, the City is using its enhanced technology to improve efficiency and transparency during the storm response. As of 4 p.m., crews had treated 71 percent of City roadways at least once, and treatment was ongoing throughout the day. Residents can track plow activity and roadway treatment in real time through the City's PHLPlow interactive map, which displays vehicles assigned to plowing and salting routes for each snow event. Color-coded roadway status updates refresh every 30 minutes, providing neighborhood-level visibility and reinforcing the Administration's commitment to transparency and countability in City services. Residents can view the dashboard at streetsmartphl.phila.gov.

The Philly311 center is open, however, requests for salting or plowing are not yet being taken while the Streets Department continues working to clear streets during the snow emergency. Philly311 will resume taking these requests once authorization is provided the director of snow operations.

Support for Vulnerable Residents

Protecting vulnerable residents is still a priority during the storm. Overnight, there were more than 250 stays across five City Warming Centers, with an Enhanced Code Blue now in place to expand staffing and ensure sites stay open. The City has since added a sixth Warming Center and more may be activated as needed. On Tuesday, warming centers will operate on 12-hour schedules: select Free Library of Philadelphia locations will serve as warming sites during the day. At night, several City recreation centers will host overnight visitors.

Residents can learn more about Code Blue services and available resources here and find Warming Center locations at the City's online interactive map. Since the need and capacity at warming centers changes hourly, we encourage people helping those in need to revisit the location map regularly. Anyone who sees someone sleeping outside and may need help can call the City's Homeless Street Outreach Hotline, (215) 232-1984.

The Office of Homeless Services stresses that there is space indoors at a warming center or shelters through the outreach team intake process for anyone in need. No one is turned away if they are seeking shelter and help.

Food Sites: Residents are encouraged to contact sites to confirm their hours of operation. Visit phila.gov/food or call 311 to find sites closest to you.

Travel and Service Impacts

As the storm continues to impact Philadelphia, the following service adjustments and operational impacts are currently in effect to protect public safety and sustain essential services.

Trash and Recycling Collections: Due to the expected amount of snow accumulation, Sanitation crews and equipment will be diverted to snow operations. Residents can find updates on sanitation services at https://www.phila.gov/sanitation and follow the Sanitation Department on social media.

• Trash and recycling collections are suspended for Monday, February 23 and Tuesday, February 24. There will be a two-day delay in collections for the week of February 23 as Monday collections will be picked up on Wednesday and Tuesday collections on Thursday. Collections will continue the rest of the week in the same sequence with materials picked up two days behind regular schedule.

• There will be no collections in rear driveways. Residents are instructed to set their materials out in front of their homes for pickup. Set materials on top of snow mounds for better visibility, if possible. With the significant snow volume, there is an increased risk of Sanitation trucks becoming stuck in the snow in rear driveways.

• The collection schedule may change. Continuation of trash and recycling collections will be contingent on the snow volume and progression of plowing operations.

• Second trash collection is suspended in areas of the city that typically receive the service. There will be one collection only throughout the week.

• Delays: Residents should expect collection delays as crews navigate through the snow and ice. Inaccessible streets may experience additional delays.

• Sanitation Convenience Centers: Residents who can't hold their materials can drop them off at one of the City's six locations, open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A list of sites is available at phila.gov/sanitation.

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) will continue to provide service for customers calling (215) 685-6300, including the 24-hour emergency line. To report an emergency, such as a leak in the street or a damaged fire hydrant, select option 1 for the emergency desk. Water Department staff will assist the City in snow removal and other emergency operations. Residents are encouraged to visit the Philadelphia Water Department website for winter weather resources, tips, and guidance on protecting plumbing and reporting cold-weather emergencies.

Philadelphia International Airport: Arriving and departing flights resumed at 2:20 p.m. Monday. Travelers and those picking up travelers are encouraged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, as delays and cancellations may still occur. Check with your airline, get updates at 1-800-PHL-GATE (745-4283), or check the PHL International Airport website-phl.org.

Guidance for Residents

City officials urge residents to take precautions as the storm progresses:

• Avoid unnecessary travel and allow extra time if driving is required.

• Move vehicles off Snow Emergency Routes when a Snow Emergency is declared to enable efficient plowing.

• Motorists are asked to allow extra time for travel 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.

• Heavy snow and high winds can cause power outages. Know how to report outages and who to call for tree or power line emergencies. Find that and more health and home safety information and resources from the City.

• Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. This practice is illegal, unsafe and counterproductive to snow plowing efforts.

• Watch for slippery sidewalks and clear a path at least 36 inches wide within six hours of the storm ending. Corner property owners are responsible for clearing ramps as an extension of their sidewalk.

• Keep fire hydrants clear.

• Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.

• Make sure to clear snow from the utility access covers on your sidewalk. If you have a water or gas emergency, this will allow quick shut off if needed.

• Assist vulnerable neighbors where possible.

Residents should call 911 for emergencies and use 311 for non-emergency service requests.

Pet Safety Awareness: Residents should contact the ACCT Philly hotline (267-385-3800 ext. 1 if they observe a dog outside during the extreme cold (aside from bathroom breaks and short walks). It is against City ordinance to leave dogs outside in extreme cold without proper shelter, and owners can be fined up to $500.

The City will continue to provide updates throughout the duration of the storm.

Stay Informed

• Updates will be shared through phila.gov, ReadyPhiladelphia alerts, and the City's official social media channels as conditions evolve.
• Other City Twitter accounts to follow for information: @PhiladelphiaGov, @StreetsPhila and @PhilaSanitation.
• For official updates from the City, follow @PhilaOEM on X (Twitter) or Facebook.
• For more winter weather tips, visit the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management online at phila.gov/ready.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts and weather updates from ReadyPhiladelphia by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 for free phone alerts or customize free text and email alerts by signing up online.
• Stay updated on City's plow operation log onto streetsmartphl.phila.gov.