Philadelphia Ditches Snow Emergency, but Frigid Temps Complicate Cleanup Efforts
As the city breathed a collective sigh of relief after lifting its snow emergency on Tuesday morning, residents and officials alike knew the real challenge had only just begun. The end of the snow emergency meant drivers could once again park along snow-clearance routes, while also giving emergency responders easier access to key roads.
However, with temperatures plummeting to a chilly 21 degrees during the day and dipping as low as -6 degrees at night, officials warned that cleanup efforts would be significantly hampered. "We're about to hit a deep freeze," said Carlton Williams, director of the city's Office of Clean & Green Initiatives, in a press conference on Monday. This frosty forecast makes it even more difficult to clear snow, as it can lead to icing over existing snow accumulation.
As a result, city offices and courts were closed on Tuesday, while the School District of Philadelphia operated remotely. Residents were still advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary, with crews focusing on making primary roads passable rather than completely clearing them of snow and ice.
Despite these challenges, officials remained optimistic about their progress, citing over 800 vehicles and equipment deployed since the weekend and a whopping 900 tons of snow already melted as of Monday afternoon. Mayor Cherelle Parker had ordered earlier clearance of residential streets to speed up the process, with crews now plowing and treating them alongside main roads.
The city's efforts were vindicated on Sunday when Philadelphia International Airport recorded an impressive 9.3 inches of snowfall – a new daily record for January 25th. Meanwhile, residents affected by vehicle relocation during the emergency can reach out to (215) 686-7669 for information about their car's location.
As the city continues its efforts to clear streets and restore order, residents will have to endure more frigid temperatures until Sunday, when they are expected to rise to a relatively balmy 37 degrees.
As the city breathed a collective sigh of relief after lifting its snow emergency on Tuesday morning, residents and officials alike knew the real challenge had only just begun. The end of the snow emergency meant drivers could once again park along snow-clearance routes, while also giving emergency responders easier access to key roads.
However, with temperatures plummeting to a chilly 21 degrees during the day and dipping as low as -6 degrees at night, officials warned that cleanup efforts would be significantly hampered. "We're about to hit a deep freeze," said Carlton Williams, director of the city's Office of Clean & Green Initiatives, in a press conference on Monday. This frosty forecast makes it even more difficult to clear snow, as it can lead to icing over existing snow accumulation.
As a result, city offices and courts were closed on Tuesday, while the School District of Philadelphia operated remotely. Residents were still advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary, with crews focusing on making primary roads passable rather than completely clearing them of snow and ice.
Despite these challenges, officials remained optimistic about their progress, citing over 800 vehicles and equipment deployed since the weekend and a whopping 900 tons of snow already melted as of Monday afternoon. Mayor Cherelle Parker had ordered earlier clearance of residential streets to speed up the process, with crews now plowing and treating them alongside main roads.
The city's efforts were vindicated on Sunday when Philadelphia International Airport recorded an impressive 9.3 inches of snowfall – a new daily record for January 25th. Meanwhile, residents affected by vehicle relocation during the emergency can reach out to (215) 686-7669 for information about their car's location.
As the city continues its efforts to clear streets and restore order, residents will have to endure more frigid temperatures until Sunday, when they are expected to rise to a relatively balmy 37 degrees.
. You gotta think about who's really benefiting from the situation - the people on the streets or those with power and influence? I mean, we're lifting the snow emergency, but what about all the residents who still can't access their homes or get to work because of the weather? It's like they're being ignored, just like some groups do when it comes to policy decisions.
. We're spending millions on snow removal and equipment, but where are these funds coming from again? Is it out of the city's emergency fund or our tax dollars? It's like they're playing politics with our money, just like politicians do when it comes to allocating resources.
. She's trying to gain support from residents by giving them a "win" on the snow emergency, but what about those who actually need help? It's all just a game, folks!
... think we should just get it over with already 
, but i guess the city's doing its best 
. still, freezing temps make cleanup super hard 
... hope they can keep up with melting all that snow 
!
, can't even get out for a cup of coffee because it's like -6 outside 
. I mean I guess the city did a good job moving all that snow, but now they're just plowing and treating the main roads... why not clear residential streets too? 
It's still super icy out here, even if it's not officially an emergency anymore 
. I'm starting to think we'll be stuck in this cold for a while longer 
. But seriously though, residents need to be super careful out there and just stay indoors as much as possible 
. I'm worried about the elderly folks who might not have the means or resources to stay warm during these subzero temps 
️. Fingers crossed everything gets back to normal soon 
.
. I mean, who needs roads all clear and stuff? It's not like we need to be out driving around in -6 degree weather or anything 
. And can we just say the city is doing a super great job with this cleanup thing? Like, 800 vehicles deployed? That sounds totally inefficient 
. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that they have like, over 900 tons of snow already melted 
. Yeah, let's just say we're all lucky to be stuck inside with no school or anything 
. And why bother with primary roads when you can just leave them a little snowy? Who needs to drive around in sub-zero temps anyway 
. It's not just about getting the roads clear, it's also about making sure people can get around safely... my kid has school on Tuesday and I'm dreading the commute 
. And what about people who don't have reliable heat or power? It's not just about the roads, it's about our homes too 
. Fingers crossed everyone stays safe and warm until Sunday 
!
. Hopefully we can get back to normal soon and enjoy some warmer temps 
snow emergency done but now its all about cleanup & temps r like woah 
mayor did a good job gettin crews out ASAP tho 
gotta say tho, 800 vehicles + 900 tons of snow already melted?? that's like wow 
still got a looong way 2 go tho 
My kid's school is online today so that's a blessing in disguise 
Fingers crossed the temps go up by Sunday tho, this whole frigid thing is getting old 
like how r u supposed to do ur job with -6 degree temps?! 
