At a Glance
- Philadelphia received about nine inches of snow, the heaviest in a decade.
- The city’s snow emergency ended, but many roads remain slick.
- Schools closed for a third day; transit services largely back to normal.
- Why it matters: Residents must navigate lingering ice, altered parking, and delayed flights.
Philadelphia’s winter storm left the city and surrounding region grappling with heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures. While the snow emergency has ended, the city’s recovery efforts continue, and residents face a mix of restored transit services, ongoing road hazards, and new parking rules.
Snow Situation and Recovery
The storm dumped roughly nine inches of snow across Philadelphia and even more in some surrounding areas. The Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and local agencies have been busy clearing streets, but many roads still carry ice and snow.
- Roadway status: Snow and ice remain on major thoroughfares.
- Restrictions lifted: PennDOT removed vehicle and speed limits that had been in place earlier in the week. Delaware lifted all driving restrictions on Tuesday.
- Ongoing work: Communities such as Conshohocken remain in a snow emergency on Wednesday because busy roads are still covered and crews are working to clear them.
School Closures
The School District of Philadelphia shuttered all schools for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. Students are attending a day of virtual learning. Across the region, schools also reported closures, cancellations, and delays.
| School District | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| School District of Philadelphia | Closed | Virtual learning for students |
| Other regional districts | Closed/Delayed | Full list available via the district’s website |
These closures mean that parents must arrange alternative childcare or work-from-home solutions. The district’s decision reflects the city’s record-breaking snowfall and the ongoing challenges of clearing snow from school grounds.
Mass Transit Services
After days of cancellations and delays, both SEPTA and NJ Transit officials announced that services should be running more smoothly on Wednesday.
SEPTA
- Metro lines are back to normal operation.
- Bus lines remain affected by snow on a route-by-route basis.
- Regional Rail will return to regular weekday service on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 after operating on a weekend schedule following the storm.
NJ Transit
All bus, rail, light rail, and Access Link services will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Wednesday, mirroring SEPTA’s timetable.
Amtrak
Amtrak officials expect service impacts through Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 due to the storm. The provider is posting real-time updates on social media to keep travelers informed.
These updates mean commuters can generally rely on their usual routes, though some bus routes may still experience delays.
Airport Delays
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) reported 52 flight cancellations and six delayed flights on Wednesday morning. While fewer than the previous days, the numbers reflect the storm’s lingering effect on air travel.
Travelers are advised to:
- Check with their airlines for the latest status.
- Allow extra time for travel to and from the airport.
The airport’s reduced flight schedule underscores the broader impact of the storm on transportation infrastructure.
Driving Restrictions Lifted
PennDOT’s removal of vehicle and speed restrictions is a positive step toward normalcy, but drivers should remain cautious:
- Road conditions: Many streets still have snow and ice.
- Snow emergencies: Some municipalities, like Conshohocken, maintain a snow emergency status.
- Safety: Drivers are encouraged to use caution, drive slowly, and keep a safe distance.
Parking Authority Changes
The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has adjusted its enforcement policies in response to the snow:
- No meter violations: The PPA will not ticket for meter violations on Wednesday.
- Enforcement focus: The authority will enforce street-safety violations such as prohibited parking at fire hydrants, no-stop zones, double parking, bus zones, crosswalks, and handicapped ramp violations.
- Garage rates: The 24-hour $5 discounted snow emergency garage rate has ended. Beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, all garages will charge their usual rates.
- Relocated vehicles: Owners whose cars were moved during the snow emergency can call the city’s snow emergency line at 215-686-SNOW or visit www.philapark.org/tow to locate their vehicle.
These changes aim to reduce congestion and improve safety on streets still affected by snow.
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia’s snow emergency has ended, but many roads remain slick.
- Schools are closed for a third day, and transit services are largely back to normal.
- PennDOT has lifted driving restrictions, though caution is still advised.
- The PPA has shifted enforcement focus and ended discounted garage rates.
- Travelers should monitor flight status and allow extra travel time.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official transportation updates as the city continues to clear the snow and restore full service.
