Philadelphia has lifted its snow emergency, but the city is facing a new challenge as frigid temperatures threaten to make cleanup efforts more difficult. The end of the snow emergency means drivers can once again park along designated snow-clearance routes, which had been left clear for emergency vehicles during the recent blizzard.
However, city officials are warning that the cold weather may hamper the ability to clear snow from streets and sidewalks. Temperatures are expected to plummet overnight, with lows reaching as low as 7 degrees on Tuesday night and a wind chill of -6 degrees. These conditions make it harder to melt existing snow, which can ice over and create additional challenges for cleanup crews.
"We're about to hit a deep freeze," said Carlton Williams, director of the city's Office of Clean & Green Initiatives. "It makes it that much more difficult to plow frozen materials." As a result, residents are being urged to stay off the roads as much as possible and let the city's snow removal efforts do their job.
Despite the challenges ahead, city officials say they're making progress in clearing the streets. Over 800 vehicles and other snow removal equipment have been deployed since the weekend, with crews managing to melt around 900 tons of snow so far. Mayor Cherelle Parker has instructed her team to prioritize residential streets alongside primary and secondary roads, aiming for a safe but not completely clear passable condition.
The recent snowstorm set a new daily record for Jan. 25, according to the National Weather Service. Motorists who had their vehicles relocated during the emergency can contact (215) 686-7669 to find out where they are. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow all instructions from city officials to ensure public safety.
However, city officials are warning that the cold weather may hamper the ability to clear snow from streets and sidewalks. Temperatures are expected to plummet overnight, with lows reaching as low as 7 degrees on Tuesday night and a wind chill of -6 degrees. These conditions make it harder to melt existing snow, which can ice over and create additional challenges for cleanup crews.
"We're about to hit a deep freeze," said Carlton Williams, director of the city's Office of Clean & Green Initiatives. "It makes it that much more difficult to plow frozen materials." As a result, residents are being urged to stay off the roads as much as possible and let the city's snow removal efforts do their job.
Despite the challenges ahead, city officials say they're making progress in clearing the streets. Over 800 vehicles and other snow removal equipment have been deployed since the weekend, with crews managing to melt around 900 tons of snow so far. Mayor Cherelle Parker has instructed her team to prioritize residential streets alongside primary and secondary roads, aiming for a safe but not completely clear passable condition.
The recent snowstorm set a new daily record for Jan. 25, according to the National Weather Service. Motorists who had their vehicles relocated during the emergency can contact (215) 686-7669 to find out where they are. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow all instructions from city officials to ensure public safety.
. I mean, we're all happy to be done with the snow emergency, but I can imagine it's gonna be tough to keep up with clearing the streets when it gets that cold outside 
. Like, what if they end up having to go back out again next week? 
At least they're making progress and trying to prioritize residential streets though, so fingers crossed!
. And 800 vehicles deployed? That's a lot of resources, but I'm sure they'll get it done... eventually 
. What really gets me is how some folks are already complaining about being told to stay off the roads. Like, come on, folks! We're in the middle of winter here! Let the pros do their thing 
I feel bad for the poor snow removal crews, dealing with this deep freeze on top of clearing all that snow. It's gonna be a long day, maybe even longer 
. They're doing their best, but it's not easy when you gotta melt ice to make it through the mess. Maybe some kind-hearted locals can lend a hand or grab a coffee for the guys working tirelessly outside 
. i feel bad for them, gotta stay off roads as much as possible & let city do its job 
! This cold snap is like, super harsh on snow cleanup efforts. They're saying temps gonna plummet overnight & it's harder 2 plow frozen stuff? Like, yeah, no kidding! Can't they just use some magic snow-melting powers or something? 
! I'm literally shaking just thinking about it... all that snow and now we're expecting even colder temps?! Like, what's next? Are they gonna tell us to stay inside forever because the sun's not shining? 
It's already hard enough trying to get around with all the ice and stuff on the roads. I swear, I'm at my wit's end just thinking about it... the city says they're doing their best but come on, 7 degrees?! That's like, freezing point, right? 
And what about people who can't afford to stay off the road? What about those with medical issues or elderly folks who need to get around? It feels like we're just being left out in the cold... literally 
Just kidding ( sorta). Seriously though, can't they just get some magic snow-melting powers or something? 
. I mean, what if someone's gotta get to work or school? It's not like they're gonna let a little cold weather stop 'em 
️ instead of stuck in traffic 
!
Firstly, i thought the snow emergency was supposed to be helping ppl out but now its making cleanup harder? Thats just not fair. 
Ugh, I'm so done with this winter already! The snow emergency is over but now we're stuck with freezing temps that'll make cleanup a nightmare 
. I mean, isn't it weird that they're worried about clearing streets when there are like 10 people on the road? And what's with all the fancy equipment and vehicles? Can't just use some salt or something to melt the snow already 
, but then again, maybe the city officials know more than I do 
. If it were me, I'd probably just stay inside with a hot cup of cocoa and let the pros handle it 
Anyway, I guess residents should just stay home & let the city do its thing