Philadelphia Ends Snow Emergency

Philadelphia has lifted its state of snow emergency following this weekend’s blizzard. The snow storm, which has gone down in the record books as the fourth-greatest in recorded history, started Friday and continued through Sunday. The snow emergency state was extended through Sunday so that city officials could be aggressive with plowing efforts. The fact that the emergency state has been lifted means that residents can once again park on Snow Emergency routes.

The blizzard that hit over the weekend was the fourth-largest in recorded history.

Cars that were left on Snow Emergency routes during the storm were likely “relocated,” officials told Fox 29. Those whose cars were moved are encouraged to call 215-686-SNOW to find out the location of their car – and not to call emergency services like 911. The PPA said that it would continue to honor its $5 per day rate in city garages that were designated parking spots for those cars displaced by the snow emergency.

Meanwhile, city offices and services opened on Monday, but schools remained closed yesterday and today. The courts are open as well. The city’s 311 hotline stayed open until midnight on Sunday and reopened at 6 AM Monday.

Residents were advised to use caution, as many roads remained snowy and icy. The city coordinated efforts to plow primary streets of travel first, followed by secondary and tertiary roads. Water left behind by warmer temperatures on Sunday could still freeze and create slippery conditions. Plowing efforts remain underway, so residents are asked not to park their cars too close to corners, as the plows and salting trucks need extra room to turn safely. City officials note that, due to the magnitude of the blizzard, it will take some time to completely remove all of the snow. Residents are encouraged to be patient and stay safe.