Philadelphia Snow Emergency Ends at 6 a.m.; Schools Go Virtual Tuesday

Philadelphia’s snow emergency is set to conclude at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. However, cleanup efforts following the recent winter storm are ongoing. As a result, city offices and courts will remain closed.

Philadelphia Schools Transition to Virtual Learning

Officials from the School District of Philadelphia announced that all schools, along with Early Childhood Centers and the Constance E. Clayton Education Center, will pivot to virtual operations. This decision prioritizes the safety of students and staff, many of whom commute from various counties.

• All after-school activities and athletic programs are canceled for Tuesday.
• The district’s statement emphasized caution due to inclement weather conditions.

Snow Cleanup Efforts Underway

The city is actively working to clear snow before temperatures fall further. An industrial-sized snow melter is currently aiding these efforts, allowing the Streets Department to melt almost 900 tons of snow within just ten hours. Carlton Williams, the director of Clean and Green Initiatives, highlighted the urgency of this task.

“Whatever we don’t get could possibly freeze, making it much harder to plow later,” he said.

Road Conditions and Community Concerns

While primary roads in Philadelphia remain drivable, residential areas, such as Olney, are struggling. Local residents report that many streets are difficult to navigate.

• Isaiah Marshall, a local resident, noted, “It’s bad. It’s like that on a lot of roads around here.”

In East Falls, some residents are facing fines for not clearing sidewalks promptly. The city mandates a clear path that must be at least 36 inches wide within six hours after snowfall.

Public Transit Updates

Crews have been actively clearing snow from SEPTA trolley stations, with full service restored by early afternoon. Regional Rail service will resume on Tuesday, operating on a Saturday schedule, and most bus routes are expected to be operational for the morning commute.

City officials are currently not addressing individual 311 complaints but encourage residents to continue reporting issues. This information is being used to identify areas that require more attention.

Trash Collection Resumes

Trash collection is also slated to restart on Tuesday, following a holiday schedule.

Residents are urged to stay updated as the city navigates the challenges brought on by the winter storm.