PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Managing Director Adam K. Thiel, Deputy Managing Director of the Office of Emergency Services Dominick Mireles, and Department of Streets Commissioner Kristin Del Rossi announce a Snow Emergency beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2025.
When the City announces a snow emergency it means that vehicles must be moved off Snow Emergency Routes in Philadelphia. If your vehicle is relocated during the Snow Emergency, call 215-686-SNOW to find it. Do not call 911.
“While the total snowfall amount is not yet confirmed, it is necessary for our Streets Department and all other City departments to be able to be ready to operate at snow emergency level,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We are always focused on the safety of our residents and all departments are working 24/7 to make sure we are fully prepared.”
We are declaring this snow emergency because:
- The forecasted snow accumulation has increased to 4-6 inches in parts of Philadelphia
- Northwest and Northeast Philadelphia will see heavier snow accumulation
- Temperatures are dropping overnight, causing snow accumulation to ice over
- Once ice forms, it will be difficult to treat
The declaration of a Snow Emergency will improve road safety by:
- Removing snow from parking lanes on emergency routes to maximize roadway clearance
- Activating additional crew and vehicles to support snow operations
- Starting at 9 PM allows crowds attending the Eagles game to return home, reducing traffic on the roadways during snow operations and clearing
Additional Snow Emergency activity includes:
- PPA to offer $5 flat parking rate at garages and lots to allow off-street parking
- PPD to help with towing parked vehicles off emergency routes
“Avoid unnecessary travel. Go slow and use caution if you must drive,” said Kristin Del Rossi, Commissioner, Department of Streets. “It’s going to go below freezing Sunday night. Roads may get icier. Please look out for our crews and trucks.”
For additional information, sign up for emergency alerts and weather updates from ReadyPhiladelphia by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or visiting phila.gov/ready.
“During this cold and snowy weather, residents are reminded that space heaters need space. Keep them at least three feet away from anything that’s flammable, and never plug them into an extension cord — plug them directly into a wall outlet,” said Jeffrey W. Thompson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Fire Department. “Residents can also help us by shoveling out any fire hydrants on their block.”
Click the link here to see Snow Emergency Routes.
For more winter weather tips, visit the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management online at phila.gov/ready.
For official updates from the City, follow @PhilaOEM on X or Facebook.
Other City X accounts to follow for information: @PhiladelphiaGov, @Philly311 and @STREETPHILADELPHIA.
