For those who must travel, here’s how to best prepare for winter driving, and what to keep in your car.
School closures and flexible instruction
Philadelphia public schools
The School District of Philadelphia will be closed on Monday because of the storm. Charged Chromebooks were sent home with students on Friday. The district will shift to virtual learning as needed during the remainder of the week.
Philly archdiocesan schools
Archdiocesan high school and parochial elementary schools will utilize “Flexible Instruction Days. Students and parents should refer to their local school website for further details, per the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
How is travel impacted?
The National Weather Service says to expect widespread road closures and significant delays on major interstates. Vehicle restrictions are in place across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In Delaware, Level 2 driving restrictions are in effect for New Castle and Kent counties, per Gov. Matt Meyer.
Under such restrictions, only essential workers, including snowplow operators, may drive on Delaware roadways.
PennDOT, PA Turnpike
PennDOT has reduced speed limits to 45 mph on the following highways:
- Interstates 76, 95, 295, 476, 676
- U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, 422
- State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309
Tier 4 vehicle restrictions are in place for all Pennsylvania interstates, the PA Turnpike and its extensions, along with several other major roadways.
When such restrictions are in place, no commercial vehicles, school buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes or passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are permitted on affected roadways.
SEPTA
SEPTA has suspended all Regional Rail, bus and Metro Route G1 service.
T1 service is suspended, and the remaining T lines have reduced service. Subway routes L, B, D and M will continue to run.
SEPTA advised riders to check alerts at SEPTA.org or the SEPTA app before heading out. Riders are told to expect delays.
NJ Transit
Bus, light rail and Access Link services are temporarily suspended on NJ Transit.
Rail service will be suspended at 2 p.m. Rail customers will need to be on trains that get them to their final destination at or prior to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Service will resume as conditions allow. Riders may monitor the latest NJ Transit service updates online.
PATCO
PATCO will operate on modified schedules through Monday.
Trains will operate with the same frequency on Sunday, with service every 30 minutes, but travel times will be adjusted for slower operating speeds due to the weather and may take up to 30 minutes longer than usual.
On Monday, trains will operate every 15-20 minutes for most of the day. Travel times will similarly be adjusted for slower operating speeds due to the weather and may take up to 10 minutes longer than usual.
“Teams will be working around the clock at stations to clear walkways, platforms, and parking areas for riders,” the transit line said.
Riders are encouraged to sign up for PATCO alerts for service updates.
PHL
Across the U.S., more than 13,500 flights have been canceled since Saturday, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. That puts Sunday on track to become the highest cancellation event since the pandemic, with over 29% of U.S. departing flights canceled, per aviation analytics company Cirium.
Most airlines have canceled Sunday flights from Philadelphia International Airport, PHL posted on social media. PHL has already canceled at least 60 flights scheduled for Monday. Passengers should confirm flight status directly with their airline.
ABE
Lehigh Valley International Airport is currently closed, with all Sunday flights canceled. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airline for further delays or cancellations that may impact flights scheduled for Monday.
City services impact, from trash collection and courts to ice-skating rinks
- Trash and recycling
- Collection will be suspended Monday and collection for the remainder of the week will be pushed back a day.
- Second trash collection will be suspended for the week in neighborhoods that typically receive it.
- Residents may still drop off trash at one of the city’s sanitation convenience centers Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Courts: All cases scheduled for Monday will be rescheduled, with the exception of Orphans’ Court, which will proceed virtually.
- Jury duty: Those summoned for jury duty Monday are excused and do not need to report for duty.
- Prisons: In-person visits will be canceled at Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities
- Critical services: Preliminary Arraignment Court, OJR bail acceptance and filings of emergency abuse protection petitions at the Stout Center for Criminal Justice are expected to remain operational.
- Administrative buildings: All city administrative office buildings will be closed to the public, including nonessential residential services.
- Health centers: All Philadelphia Department of Public Health centers will be closed on Monday. Patients with Monday appointments will be contacted to reschedule.
When will my street be plowed?
Residents can track Philadelphia’s snowplow operations online through PlowPHL.
Safety information
What renters, homeowners and business owners need to know about shoveling
Unless you live in an apartment building or multifamily dwelling, you are responsible for clearing the sidewalk of snow and ice outside your home. That includes both renters and homeowners.
Once snow has stopped falling, all sidewalks — including curb cuts — must be shoveled within six hours. Corner property owners are also responsible for clearing ramps as an extension of their sidewalk.
Pathways should be clear at least 3 feet, unless the pathway is smaller than that, in which case only 1 foot should be cleared. Snow or ice removed from sidewalks cannot be dumped into the street; instead, push toward your building.
The same rule applies to business owners, even if an establishment is temporarily closed due to the snow. Businesses that violate this code face a fine of $1,000 or more.
Residents may report a sidewalk that has not been cleared by calling 311 or submitting a report through the city’s 311 portal.
