Philadelphia snow updates: Latest forecast; NJ Transit suspensions; heavy snow and ice to blanket region

The Philadelphia region — along with a wide swath of the U.S. — is gearing up for significant snowfall this weekend.

Roughly 140 million people are under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England.

What’s the latest forecast?

Snow, sleet and freezing rain will bring major disruptions to the region, according to the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office. Snowfall predictions have been reduced slightly, with forecasters increasingly confident that precipitation will mix with sleet.

Heavy snow and sleet, followed by freezing rain and 20- to 30-mph wind gusts, could result in downed trees and power outages.Weather conditions will make travel dangerous or impossible, per NWS.

When will the storm hit?

Snow will begin late Saturday into early morning Sunday.

Snowfall rates near 1-2 inches per hour, with a 60-80% degree of confidence, are expected during the daytime on Sunday.

Snow and sleet will mix with or change to freezing rain across Delmarva, South Jersey and into the 1-95 corridor, and potentially as far north as the I-78 corridor, beginning Sunday afternoon and lasting through Sunday evening.

Heavier snowfall is anticipated farther north. Cities including Philly, Trenton and Wilmington may receive 8-12 inches of precipitation. Areas near Cape May and Bethany Beach could see 4-6 inches.

Lower snowfall amounts are expected further south and closer to the coast, with longer durations of a wintry mix or rain anticipated Sunday afternoon and evening. Less mixing is expected further north.

Some isolated power outages may occur, forecasters say, with ice accumulations possible up to a quarter-inch across the I-95 corridor, South Jersey and Delmarva.

Forecasters with WHYY News partner 6abc show more mixing farther north.

“So that snowy winter wonderland Sunday morning turns into a sleet/icefest for most of our area by lunchtime,” wrote meteorologist Cecily Tynan.

6abc’s latest map shows Philadelphia may see 8-10 inches of snowfall.

After the storm passes, a prolonged period of “well below normal” temperatures is expected to stick around next week, with wind chills in the single digits to below zero each night.

Weather alerts, watches and advisories

A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect for the following counties from 7 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday, with heavy and mixed precipitation expected, along with ice accumulations around three-tenths of an inch.

• Pennsylvania: Chester, Delaware, eastern Montgomery, Philadelphia
• New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem
• Delaware: Kent, New Castle, Sussex

Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages, per NWS, and travel could be “nearly impossible.”

Enhanced Code Blue in Philly

An Enhanced Code Blue is in effect in Philadelphia until further notice.

During extreme cold — when temperatures feel near or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or when there is precipitation and the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower — Philadelphia officials will declare a Code Blue.

During a Code Blue event, the city implements special measures to keep people who are experiencing homelessness safe. Those measures include 24-hour outreach to find unhoused people and transport them to safe indoor spaces and opening all available beds within the city’s emergency housing network for those in need.

The 21 warming centers below are open amid the current Code Blue, including some that will be open 24 hours until the snow emergency ends.

People experiencing homelessness may also visit a city-funded homeless intake center for help.

If residents see a person who appears to be unhoused during a Code Blue, they are urged to contact the city’s Homeless Outreach hotline at 215-232-1984. Residents concerned about an older adult during extremely cold weather are urged to contact the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging at 215-765-9040.

Emergency orders

Pennsylvania declares disaster emergency

With much of Pennsylvania slated to receive significant snowfall, Gov. Josh Shapiro on Friday declared a disaster emergency, allowing the commonwealth to be able to quickly deploy state resources.

“Stay off the roads if you can,” Shapiro said in a statement. “Be safe.”

New Jersey declares state of emergency

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, on the heels of her inauguration, announced that an emergency declaration will go into effect for all 21 counties at 5 p.m. Saturday.

“I’m urging New Jerseyans to make plans to avoid travel Saturday evening and all day. Sunday. I’m also announcing a commercial vehicle travel restriction on interstate highways as a safety precaution to prevent incidents that could delay first responders and impede our plowing efforts,” said Sherrill.

Philadelphia declares snow emergency

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker on Friday announced the city will be under a snow emergency beginning 9 p.m. Saturday.

The city declares a snow emergency when winter storms are expected to create dangerous conditions for pedestrians or drivers.

In order to assist snowplow operations, 110 miles of snow emergency routes must be clear of vehicles. The same rule applies to dumpsters. Those who do not move their vehicle may be ticketed and their vehicle or dumpster towed.

“Limit unnecessary travel once conditions worsen and if you must be out, give yourself extra time, drive slowly and stay off the roads if conditions become hazardous so our cruise and first responders can do their jobs safely,” Parker said.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority will offer 24-hour $5 flat-rate parking starting at 7 p.m. Saturday to accommodate drivers who need to move their cars from emergency routes. The offer will be valid at the parking lots below until the snow emergency is lifted.

• AutoPark at Independence Mall (5th and Market streets)
• AutoPark at Jefferson (10th and Ludlow streets)
• AutoPark at the Fashion District (10th and Filbert streets)
• AutoPark at Old City (2nd and Sansom streets)
• Parkade on 8th (801 Filbert St.)

Residents whose vehicles are towed during a snow emergency may call 215-686-SNOW (7669) and press option four.

Streets included in the city’s snow emergency routes can be found below:

As city and state officials monitor the forecast and pre-treat roadways, emergency management officials from Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware are also encouraging residents to stock up on basic supplies and avoid nonessential driving when possible during the storm.

For those who must, here’s how to best prepare for winter driving, and what to keep in your car.

School closures and flexible instruction

Philly public schools will be closed Monday

City public schools will be closed on Monday due to inclement weather. Charged Chromebooks were sent home with students on Friday. After Monday, if needed, the School District of Philadelphia will shift to virtual learning.

Philly archdiocesan schools will utilize ‘flexible instruction’ on Monday

Archdiocesan high school and parochial elementary school buildings will be closed on Monday; those schools will utilize “Flexible Instruction Days,” the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Friday.

Students and parents should refer to their local school website for further details.

How will travel be impacted?

The National Weather Service says to expect widespread road closures and significant delays on major interstates.

Vehicle restrictions will be in place across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

PennDOT, PA Turnpike announce road restrictions

Starting at midnight Saturday, Tier 4 vehicle restrictions will be in place for all Pennsylvania interstates, the PA Turnpike and its extensions, along with several other major roadways.

When such restrictions are in place, no commercial vehicles, school buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes or passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are permitted on affected roadways.

SEPTA

SEPTA’s Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines are expected to be the most reliable, transit officials said. Trolleys, meanwhile, will operate with a planned diversion to 40th and Market streets through early Monday. The trolley tunnel closure may be extended depending on weather conditions. Shuttle buses will operate during this time.

Regional Rail is expected to operate on a Saturday schedule on Monday, though weather-related delays or suspensions are possible.

Bus detours, delays and suspensions are also likely. SEPTA advised riders to check alerts at SEPTA.org or the SEPTA app before heading out.

NJ Transit

NJ Transit will temporarily suspend bus, light rail and Access Link services starting at 4 a.m.

Rail service will begin operating on a regular weekend schedule on Sunday and continue operating until 2 p.m. Customers will need to be on trains that get them to their final destination at or prior to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Service will resume as conditions allow. Riders may monitor the latest NJ Transit service updates online.

PATCO

PATCO will operate on modified schedules from Sunday through Monday.

Trains will operate with the same frequency on Sunday, with service every 30 minutes, but travel times will be adjusted for slower operating speeds due to the weather and may take up to 30 minutes longer than usual.

On Monday, trains will operate every 15-20 minutes for most of the day. Travel times will similarly be adjusted for slower operating speeds due to the weather and may take up to 10 minutes longer than usual.

“Teams will be working around the clock at stations to clear walkways, platforms, and parking areas for riders,” the transit line said.

Riders are encouraged to sign up for PATCO alerts for service updates.

PHL

Across the U.S., more than 11,000 flights have been canceled this weekend.

Most airlines have canceled Saturday flights from Philadelphia International Airport, PHL posted on social media. Passengers should confirm flight status directly with their airline.

Travel advisories are in effect under Delta and American, with rebooking fees waived.

City services: Philly court closures, trash collection delays and more

Trash collection will be suspended Monday, city officials said Friday. Collection for the remainder of the week will be pushed back a day.

Philadelphia courts will similarly be closed. With the exception of Orphans’ Court, all cases scheduled for Monday will be rescheduled. All Orphans’ Court hearings will proceed as scheduled virtually.

Those summoned for jury duty are excused and do not need to report for duty on Monday.

Critical services — like Preliminary Arraignment Court, OJR bail acceptance and filings of Emergency Protection from Abuse Petitions at the Stout Center for Criminal Justice — are expected to remain operational.

All city administrative office buildings will be closed to the public, including nonessential residential services. City health centers, parks and recreation centers and ice rinks will likewise be closed.

In-person visits will be canceled at Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities.

When is the last time Philly saw this much snow?

Just over 10 years ago. Philadelphia saw 19.6 inches of snowfall on Jan. 23, 2016.

WHYY News Tom MacDonald contributed reporting.