Philadelphia’s Snow Emergency: Road Prep, Plow Tracker, Parking Rules & Safety Tips for the Jan 24‑26 Storm

Breaking: Philadelphia Declares Snow Emergency Ahead of Weekend Storm

Philadelphia officials have activated a citywide snow emergency starting Saturday at 9 p.m. and lasting until 1 p.m. Sunday,as crews brace for a weekend winter storm. Residents are urged to heed rules aimed at keeping roads passable and public services running smoothly.

Roads Pre-Treated; Snow-Clearing comes Next

Crews with the Streets Department have begun applying brine to major thoroughfares in anticipation of accumulating snow. When the storm intensifies, hundreds of plows, loaders and othre heavy equipment will fan out across neighborhoods to clear streets.At the storm’s end, snow will be collected or melted on-site to reduce buildup.

Real-Time Snow-Tracking for Residents

City officials have launched an interactive map showing live locations of snow plows and their progress. You can monitor plow activity here: StreetSmart Philly.

Sidewalks and Fines: A Critical Rule

Property owners must clear a continuous 36-inch sidewalk path within six hours after the snowfall stops. Failure to comply could result in a $1,000 fine.

Enhanced Code Blue: Warming Centers Open

The city’s Emergency Operations Center will activate at 11 p.m. on Saturday as part of a Code Blue emergency. More than a dozen warming centers will be accessible to all residents, including locations at free Library branches. For those in need, call 215-232-1984 to reach the Office of Homeless Services. Additional warming center details are available here: Code Blue warming centers.

Tip: Extreme cold up ahead means pets need shelter—owners should be mindful that leaving animals outside can carry a $500 penalty. For stray or mistreated pets, contact the ACCT Philly hotline at 267-385-3800, extension 1.

Parking Rules and Towing Risks

Vehicles must be removed from marked snow emergency routes. Verify neighborhoods aren’t posted with “SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTE” signs. Cars parked on these routes may be ticketed or towed to clear streets effectively. Drivers should avoid parking near street corners to prevent blocking snow plows from turning. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering a flat $5 24‑hour parking rate in its lots; present your ticket at the PPA Management Office to redeem the discount. If your vehicle is towed,call 215-686-SNOW or visit the PPA tow page for assistance.

Trash Pickup Delays and After-School Cancellations

Trash collection will pause for one day due to the storm. No trash or recycling will be collected on Monday, Jan. 26, with subsequent collections likely delayed by a day for the rest of the week. Residents may drop materials at one of the city’s six sanitation convenience centers, open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more details, visit the Department of Sanitation’s page: Sanitation.

The School district has announced all city public schools will be closed on Monday, Jan.26, with all after-school activities canceled. Students were sent home with laptops to continue coursework remotely.

Cold-Weather Guidance: Protecting Homes and health

Even after the storm, officials predict a week of frigid temperatures that increase the risk of frozen or burst pipes.If you notice a water loss or leak, check with nearby neighbors first; if others are unaffected, contact a licensed plumber promptly. Practical tips to prevent frozen pipes include letting a faucet drip overnight,keeping the area around the water meter above 40°F,sealing drafts around exposed pipes,and checking faucets for flow before sleep and on waking.

For gas leaks or related emergencies, a 24-hour hotline is available at 215-235-1212. For power outages, residents can report issues to PECO by texting “ADDOUTAGE” to 697326 or via their outage page.

Staying Informed During the Storm

ReadyPhiladelphia offers free emergency alert enrollment to receive timely updates. To sign up, text “READYPHILA” to 888-777 or visit the Office of Emergency Management site: OEM.

Key Facts at a Glance

item	Details
Snow emergency window	Sat, Jan. 24, 9:00 p.m. – sun, Jan. 26, 1:00 p.m.
Code Blue activation	Sat, Jan. 24, 11:00 p.m.onward
Sidewalk clearance rule	36-inch path; six hours after snow cessation
Warming centers	More than a dozen locations citywide; open to all
School status	Public schools closed Mon, Jan. 26
Trash collection	No pickup mon, jan. 26; delays rest of week
Parking	Move vehicles off snow emergency routes; avoid corners

Two Questions for Readers

How are you preparing your family and property for the weekend storm? Share your readiness tips below.

What questions do you have about city services during a snow emergency? Post them and we’ll seek official answers for you.

Stay Connected and Share Your Plans

Remember to follow official channels for the latest updates and to use the interactive plow-tracking map to navigate road conditions. Share this breaking coverage with neighbors and family to help everyone stay safe.

With the city mobilized, residents are urged to plan ahead, respect parking restrictions, and utilize warming centers if needed. stay tuned for further updates as the storm unfolds.

Have you prepared your home for winter weather recently? Tell us what worked for you in the comments and tag a neighbor who might need this guidance.

(e.g., 19104).

4 Click on a street name to see teh last cleared timestamp and estimated pass‑by time. 5 Enable push notifications (available on the mobile app) for live alerts on re‑plowing after de‑icing.

Tips for Interpreting the Data

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Philadelphia Snow Emergency Overview (Jan 24‑26, 2026)

The City of Philadelphia has declared a snow emergency for the upcoming January 24‑26, 2026 storm. The emergency triggers a coordinated response that includes road clearing, parking restrictions, and public safety notices. Residents and commuters should stay informed through official channels such as Philadelphia Streets Department alerts,the Plow Tracker,and local news outlets.

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Road preparation Checklist for Homeowners and Businesses

1. Clear Driveways and Sidewalks

* Remove snow and ice within 24 hours of the storm’s conclusion to avoid citations.

* Use sand or non‑clumping ice melt to improve traction without damaging concrete.

2. Secure Outdoor Items

* Tie down or bring inside patio furniture, trash cans, and decorative planters.

* Store bicycles, walk‑behind lawn equipment, and portable generators in a sheltered location.

3. inspect Roofs and Gutters

* Remove excess snow from flat roofs to prevent collapse.

* Clear gutters to avoid ice dams that can cause water damage.

4. Check Heating Systems

* Verify that furnaces, boilers, and space heaters are functioning properly.

* Keep a fire‑safe space heater at least three feet away from flammable materials.

5. Stock Essential Supplies

* Keep a winter emergency kit with blankets, non‑perishable food, bottled water, a flashlight, and a battery‑operated radio.

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Using the City’s Plow Tracker

Philadelphia’s Plow Tracker ( https://www.phila.gov/plowtracker ) provides real‑time updates on snow‑clearing operations.

how to Navigate the tracker

Step	Action
1	Open the Plow Tracker page on a desktop or mobile browser.
2	Select “Current Snow Removal Status” to view cleared routes and pending streets.
3	Use the “Filter by Neighborhood” dropdown to focus on your zip code (e.g., 19104).
4	Click on a street name to see the last cleared timestamp and estimated pass‑by time.
5	Enable push notifications (available on the mobile app) for live alerts on re‑plowing after de‑icing.

Tips for Interpreting the Data

* Dark green = street fully cleared.

* Light green = partially cleared; expect continued activity.

* Red = street blocked due to unsafe conditions (e.g., fallen trees, severe ice).

If you notice a discrepancy (e.g., a cleared lane still appears red), report it through the “Submit Issue” button to help the Streets Department prioritize response.

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Parking Regulations During the Snow Emergency

Zone	allowed Parking Hours	Restrictions	Penalties
Residential Snow Route (RSR)	No parking from 12:00 am on the day the emergency is declared until 48 hours after the last forecasted snowfall.	Vehicles must be moved to a legal side street or driveway.	$100 fine + possible towing.
Commercial Snow Route (CSR)	No parking from 12:00 am on the day of the emergency until 24 hours after snow removal is completed.	Loading zones remain open for commercial deliveries.	$120 fine + tow.
Temporary Parking Permits	Residents may apply online for a 24‑hour permit on the city portal; permits are issued on a frist‑come, first‑served basis.	Permit must be displayed on the rearview mirror.	$80 fine if displayed incorrectly.

How to Verify Your Street’s Status

1. Visit Philadelphia’s 311 Service Request page and enter your address.
2. Look for the “Snow Route” label next to the street name.
3. Check the “Snow Emergency End Time” field for the exact clearance deadline.

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Safety Tips for Drivers

* Reduce Speed: Wet or icy road surfaces increase stopping distances; keep speeds 10–15 mph below posted limits.

* Increase Following Distance: Maintain at least a four‑second gap behind the vehicle ahead.

* Use low‑beam Headlights: High beams can cause glare on reflective snow.

* Avoid Sudden Maneuvers: Steer gently and brake gradually to prevent skidding.

* Watch for Snow Plows: Stay at least 100 feet behind a plow; never pass on the right.

Emergency Kit for Your vehicle

• Blankets, extra warm clothing, and a hand‑warmers pack.
• Non‑perishable snacks and bottled water.
• Flashlight, extra batteries, and a fully charged phone power bank.
• Small bag of sand or cat litter for traction.
• Jumper cables and a portable tire inflator.

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Pedestrian and Cyclist Precautions

* Dress in Layers: A moisture‑wicking base layer, insulated mid‑layer, and waterproof outer shell.

* Choose High‑Visibility Clothing: Luminous colors and reflective strips improve visibility in snowfall.

* Use Proper Footwear: Waterproof boots with non‑slip soles reduce fall risk.

* Stay on Cleared Paths: Follow the Plow Tracker’s cleared sidewalk routes; avoid shortcuts through unplowed alleys.

* Carry a small First‑Aid Kit: Include band‑aids, anti‑bacterial wipes, and pain relievers in case of minor injuries.

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Real‑World Example: 2024 jan 15‑17 Snowstorm Response

During the January 15‑17, 2024 snowstorm, Philadelphia cleared 96 % of its residential snow routes within the first 12 hours. Key factors that contributed to the efficient response included:

1. Early Activation of the Snow Emergency: Declared at 2 am, allowing crews to mobilize before snowfall intensified.
2. Community Cooperation: Over 3,000 residents applied for temporary parking permits, reducing illegal parking violations by 42 %.
3. Enhanced plow Tracker Usage: Mobile app downloads increased 35 % compared to the previous year, providing real‑time feedback to crews.

The aftermath saw a 23 % drop in slip‑and‑fall injuries reported at city‑run facilities, illustrating the direct impact of adherence to parking rules and sidewalk clearance.

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Benefits of Following Snow Emergency Guidelines

* Faster Road Clearance: Coordinated parking compliance gives plows unobstructed lanes, cutting clearance times by up to 30 %.

* Reduced Accident Rates: Proper vehicle preparation and cautious driving lower collision incidents by an estimated 18 % during snow events.

* Avoidance of Fines and Towing: Understanding parking zones prevents costly penalties and vehicle impoundments.

* community Safety: Clean sidewalks and cleared driveways decrease the likelihood of falls, especially for seniors and those with limited mobility.

By staying informed and acting proactively, Philadelphia residents can help the city manage the Jan 24‑26, 2026 snowstorm efficiently and safely.