Philadelphia will be under a snow emergency declaration starting Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 p.m. and lasting through 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26. The city’s Streets Department has begun pre-treating major roads with brine, and crews are ready to deploy hundreds of trucks, loaders and excavators once the storm hits. Residents are urged to act now to avoid fines and stay safe.
At a Glance
- Snow emergency from 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26.
- $1,000 fine for sidewalks left uncleared within six hours after snowfall.
- $5 flat rate parking at designated lots for 24 hours.
- Warming centers open at multiple libraries and other venues.
Snow Emergency Timeline
The emergency is officially in effect from 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 until 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26. The city’s Emergency Operations Center will be active starting at 11 p.m. that same night. Snow removal crews will work through the night and into the next day, using brine, snow plows and a snow-melting machine to clear streets.
Road Treatment and Snow Removal
Before the storm, the Streets Department applied brine to major roads to reduce ice formation. Once the first flakes arrive, hundreds of trucks and excavators will clear the snow. After the storm, the city will transport the accumulated snow to storage sites and employ a snow-melting machine to assist.
Tracking Plows
An interactive map has been released, showing the locations of active snow plows. Residents can click the map link to see real-time progress and plan their routes accordingly.
Sidewalk Requirements and Fines
All property owners must clear a 36-inch pathway on sidewalks within six hours after the snow stops falling. Failure to do so can result in a $1,000 fine. This rule applies to every property owner, regardless of building size or ownership type.
Warming Centers and Pet Care
Over a dozen warming centers will be available throughout Philadelphia. All residents, including those without a home, are welcome. Libraries serving as warming centers include:
| Library | Address |
|---|---|
| Bustleton Library | 10199 Bustleton Avenue |
| Haddington Library | 446 North 65th Street |
| Kensington Library | 104 West Dauphin Street |
| Lillian Marrero Library | 601 West Lehigh Avenue |
| Logan Library | 1333 Wagner Avenue |
| Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library | 125 South 52nd Street |
| Nicetown-Tioga Library | 3720 North Broad Street |
| Northeast Regional Library | 2228 Cottman Avenue |
| Queen Memorial Library | 1201 South 23rd Street |
| Walnut Street West Library | 201 South 40th Street |
If someone is found sleeping outside during the extreme cold, call 215-232-1984 to alert the Office of Homeless Services. Dogs left outside without proper shelter may incur a $500 fine. The ACCT Philly hotline is available at 267-385-3800, extension 1.
Parking Restrictions and Trash Collection
All vehicles must be removed from marked snow emergency routes. Look for signs that read “SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTE” in white letters on a red background. Parking on these routes will result in a ticket or towing.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority offers a flat 24-hour parking rate of $5 at several lots. To use the discount, bring your parking ticket to the PPA Management Office. If a vehicle is towed, residents can call 215-686-SNOW or use the online portal.
Trash collection will be suspended for one day. No trash or recycling will be picked up on Monday, Jan. 26, causing a one-day delay for the rest of the week. Residents may bring trash to one of six sanitation convenience centers between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
School Closures and Pipe Safety
The School District of Philadelphia will close all public schools on Monday, Jan. 26. After-school activities are canceled, and students have been sent home with laptops for assigned work.
After the storm, a full week of very cold temperatures is expected. Homeowners should take precautions to prevent frozen or bursting pipes. Tips include:
- Let a faucet trickle overnight.
- Keep the area around the water meter above 40 °F.
- Cover drafty windows near exposed pipes.
- Check faucets before sleeping and after waking.
If water loss or a suspected leak occurs, contact a plumber immediately. For gas emergencies, call 215-235-1212. To report a power outage, text “ADDOUTAGE” to 697326.
Stay Informed During the Storm
Residents can sign up for the city’s emergency alert system for free through ReadyPhiladelphia. Text “READYPHILA” to 888-777 or visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website.
The city’s emergency alerts will provide real-time updates on snow removal, traffic, and any changes to warming center availability or school closures. Staying connected ensures residents can make timely decisions and avoid penalties.
Key Takeaways
- The snow emergency spans 30 hours, from 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday.
- Sidewalks must be cleared within six hours, or a $1,000 fine applies.
- Parking on emergency routes is prohibited; a $5 discount is available at selected lots.
- Warming centers at libraries are open to all; pets may incur a $500 fine if left outside.
- Trash and school services are suspended for one day.
- Residents should monitor the interactive map and sign up for alerts to stay updated.
By following these guidelines, Philadelphia residents can navigate the storm safely and avoid costly fines.
