Philadelphia ends snow emergency; school closures and transit delays still in effect

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The biggest snowstorm in more than a decade quickly blanketed the Philadelphia region on Sunday, leaving behind an icy mess. Sub-freezing temperatures will continue throughout the week, making it difficult for mass transit and schools to quickly get back to normal.

Here's what you need to know.

Many schools and services remained closed Tuesday, including city offices, courthouses and district schools, though students participated in virtual learning.

The Philadelphia Streets Department is placing road closures in Center City for crews remove snow. Penn Square and the surrounding blocks will be closed from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. The following streets will be closed:

- Penn Square around City Hall
- North Broad from Arch Street to City Hall
- South Broad from Chestnut Street to City Hall
- 15th Street from Arch Street to Chestnut Street
- JFK Boulevard from Filbert to 16th Street
- East Market Street from 13th Street to City Hall
- West Market Street from 16th Street to City Hall

Philadelphia Courts will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 28. All matters canceled during the snow emergency will be rescheduled. For new dates, the public can contact the the courts through their website. All summoned for jury duty are expected to report on Wednesday as scheduled. The Philadelphia School District will have virtual learning again on Wednesday.

🎒 Find the latest school closings in your neighborhood HERE.

Trash and recycling in the city will operate on a holiday schedule beginning Tuesday, and Regional Rail lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.

Mayor Cherelle Parker's snow emergency was lifted Tuesday morning, meaning cars are allowed to park on snow emergency routes again. If your vehicle was relocated during the storm, call the city's snow emergency line at 215-686-SNOW (7669) and press option 4 or visit the Philadelphia Parking Authority's website to locate your vehicle. Do not call 911. PPA offices will reopen on Wednesday.

Philadelphia measured more than 9 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service, and some areas of South Jersey saw up to about 9.5 inches. Philadelphia homeowners are reminded that they must shovel sidewalks and not push excess snow into the street.

Forecasters are watching for another possible winter storm this weekend. As of Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service says there is a 20-30% chance of a moderate storm that could impact the city.

A cold weather advisory is in effect through Wednesday, with cold temperatures expected to persist into next week.

SEPTA's bus and Regional Rail services shut down during the height of the snowstorm. Transit gradually started up again Monday afternoon, but SEPTA said Regional Rail trains will run more slowly for the rest of the week due to the freezing temperatures.

The Regional Rail is continuing to operate on a Saturday schedule.

SEPTA said the majority of its buses are operating, but some routes are still suspended because of road conditions.

Subway and trolley service is running on a normal weekday schedule, but trolleys are still not operating in the Center City trolley tunnel.

NJ Transit said Tuesday that 106 bus routes are back in service. Rail service is operating on a special severe weather schedule.

PATCO is also operating on a snow schedule, with trains running every 15 or 20 minutes.

Get the latest service updates for:
🚃 SEPTA
🚉 PATCO
🚌 NJ TRANSIT

Air travel still isn’t back to normal. There were 70 cancellations and 34 delays at Philadelphia International Airport on Tuesday.

Many planes and flight crews still aren’t where they need to be. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA doesn't expect air traffic to get back to normal until possibly Wednesday.

Jana Tidwell, with AAA Mid-Atlantic, advised drivers to make sure their cars are ready for the roads if they have to go out in the snow and ice.

"Have your tires checked for tire tread depth as well as PSI. The air pressure in your tire could lose 1 to 2 PSI for every 10-degree temperature drop out there," she said. "I always tell motorists ahead of a winter weather event to have a full tank of gas, not knowing where you will need to go and have an emergency vehicle kit."

AAA also cautions drivers to leave early to provide plenty of extra time, remove all snow and ice from their cars, take it slow, leave enough following distance, and never use cruise control in slippery weather.

Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Colonel George Bivens said you can be pulled over for driving too fast for conditions, even if you are below the posted speed limit, or if you create a hazard by not cleaning snow off your car.

The icy temperatures throughout the week can be tough on cars, too. Warming up your car can help thaw the ice or frost covering windshields. Experts also advise freeing your windshield wipers so they don’t adhere to the glass.

🚗 For the latest traffic and transit, listen live to KYW Newsradio's Traffic on the Twos every 10 minutes on 103.9FM or on the Audacy app HERE.