Philadelphia storm updates: Snow emergency in effect amid rare blizzard warning; latest forecast
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are gearing up for significant snowfall from Sunday through Monday, along with powerful winds. Here’s everything you need to know.
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The Philadelphia region — along with up to 40 million Americans across the U.S. — is bracing for a powerful coastal storm that will continue through late Monday.
Significant snowfall, high winds and coastal flooding are expected across the Delaware Valley, just as snowfall from January’s major storm, which dumped over 9 inches of snow on the city, had finally melted.
What’s the latest forecast?
The National Weather Service says confidence remains high that a “potentially historic winter storm” will impact the region through Monday. Significant snow, strong winds and coastal flooding may result in “life-threatening travel,” the agency reports, with significant impacts to infrastructure that last beyond Monday.
Sunday’s winter storm may bring between 14 and 20 inches of snow to Philadelphia, its suburbs and parts of Delaware, the NWS reports. Wind gusts as high as 45 mph are expected.
South Jersey, meanwhile, may see between 15 and 22 inches of snow, per the NWS, with possible mixing Sunday evening, along with wind gusts up to 55 mph.
Inland Sussex County, Delaware — including in Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach — may see between 11 and 17 inches of snow, plus wind gusts up to 45 mph.
Meteorologists with WHYY News partner 6abc are more conservative in their estimates for the Philadelphia metro area, predicting between 8 and 12 inches of snow.
The heaviest snowfall is anticipated between Sunday evening and Monday morning, with snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour or greater.
Snow is expected to taper off west to east by Monday morning. Record-breaking snowfall totals are possible, the NWS said.
Weather alerts, watches and advisories
Code Blue in Philly: Protections for people experiencing homelessness
A Code Blue will remain in effect in Philadelphia through 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25.
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.
Warming centers open during the current Code Blue can be found online.
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
Here’s a look at the emergency orders in place throughout the Delaware Valley:
School closures and flexible instruction
Philadelphia public schools
The School District of Philadelphia will shift to virtual learning Monday because of the storm.
The district already exhausted its built-in “snow day” during January’s snowtorm, Superintendent Tony Watlington noted at a Saturday press conference.
Students were sent home with Chromebooks on Friday.
Philadelphia archdiocesan schools
All archdiocesan high schools and parochial elementary schools in Philadelphia will operate virtually on Monday due to the storm.
How about power outages?
How is travel impacted?
PennDOT, PA Turnpike
Amtrak
Amtrak is adjusting some service routes on Sunday and Monday due to inclement weather. Impacted customers will be notified directly of any cancellations or adjustments.
Those impacted can rebook or request refunds without penalties online, through the Amtrak mobile app, or by calling its customer care center at 1-800-USA-RAIL.
NJDOT
A commercial vehicle ban and 35 mph speed restrictions are in effect on multiple New Jersey interstates under the current state of emergency. Those include the entire length of the highways below:
- I-76
- I-78
- I-80
- I-195
- I-280
- I-287
- I-295
- I-676
New Jersey State Police
A mandatory travel restriction will be in effect in New Jersey from 9 p.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Monday.
All non-exempt vehicles are prohibited from driving on state, county, municipal and interstate roadways during this time. The New Jersey Turnpike is exempt from this restriction.
The travel restriction does not apply to:
- Emergency and public safety vehicles and personnel
- Public works and snow removal crews
- Public transportation vehicles and personnel
- Government officials conducting official business
- Utility company vehicles and personnel
- Healthcare workers and urgent medical travel
- Personnel supporting emergency shelter operations and human services facilities
- Delivery of critical medical supplies and services to health care facilities
- News media
- Private snow removal contractors
- Patients seeking urgent critical care and their escorts
- Travel necessary to maintain critical infrastructure and essential services, including energy, fuel, food, pharmacies and hardware stores
- Personnel supporting airline and airport operations
NJ Transit
NJ Transit has temporarily suspended bus, light rail and Access Link service. Service will gradually resume as conditions safely allow, the transit agency said.
No trains will begin a new trip after 9 p.m. from their origin point, NJ Transit announced.
Customers are advised to monitor NJTransit.com or the NJ Transit mobile app for updates.
PATCO
PATCO will operate on a snow schedule beginning at 4:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23. During the storm, trains will operate at reduced speeds.
PHL
More than 300 flights have been canceled for Sunday at Philadelphia International Airport. At least 500 flights are canceled for Monday. Passengers should confirm flight status directly with their airline.
SEPTA
SEPTA officials say service will run as long as it is safe to do so. Route-by-route status, including suspensions and restorations, will be posted online.
City services impacted, from trash collection and courts to ice-skating rinks
- Trash and recycling
- Collection will be suspended Monday and Tuesday; collection for the remainder of the week will be pushed back two days.
- Second trash collection will be suspended for the week in neighborhoods that typically receive it.
- Residents may still drop off trash at one of the city’s sanitation convenience centers Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Courts: All cases scheduled for Monday will be rescheduled, with the exception of Orphans’ Court, which will proceed virtually.
- Jury duty: Those summoned for jury duty Monday are excused and do not need to report for duty.
What Philly renters, homeowners and business owners need to know about shoveling
Unless you live in an apartment building or multifamily dwelling, you are responsible for clearing the sidewalk of snow and ice outside your home. That includes both renters and homeowners.
Once snow has stopped falling, all sidewalks — including curb cuts — must be shoveled within six hours. Corner property owners are also responsible for clearing ramps as an extension of their sidewalk.
Pathways should be cleared at least 3 feet, unless the pathway is smaller than that, in which case only 1 foot should be cleared. Snow or ice removed from sidewalks cannot be dumped into the street; instead, push toward your building.
The same rule applies to business owners, even if an establishment is temporarily closed due to the snow. Businesses that violate this code face a fine of $1,000 or more.
Residents may report a sidewalk that has not been cleared by calling 311 or submitting a report through the city’s 311 portal.
Safety information
- Get or give help: Here are extreme cold resources across the Delaware Valley, and here’s how you can help your unhoused neighbors amid frigid temps.
- Be prepared: Take these steps to protect yourself and your pets; and here’s how to keep your pipes from freezing in cold weather.
- Winter driving: If you must drive, here’s how to best prepare, and what to keep in your car.
- Avoiding injury: Here are some do’s and don’ts to avoid injury in a snowstorm, according to Philly-area doctors.
- Emergency contacts: If you live in Philadelphia, here’s who to call for which emergencies, from downed trees to power lines.
- Pet safety: If residents see a dog outside during the extreme cold — aside from bathroom breaks and short walks — they are urged to contact ACCT Philly’s hotline by calling (267-385-3800m ext. 1.
WHYY News partner 6abc contributed reporting.
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