PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A significant amount of snow is expected to hit the region this weekend, and preparations are underway to keep roads clear and people safe.
Here’s what you need to know.
How much snow will fall?
Forecasters predict an intense winter storm will pass through Texas and the Carolinas before traveling up to the northeastern U.S., with Philadelphia in its path. The storm is expected to dump a total of 6 to 10 inches of snow in the region, according to AccuWeather.
An Arctic blast will send a chill across the region late Friday night and into Saturday. Temps will fall to about 11 degrees, though it will feel more like -10 degrees.
A cold weather advisory is in effect from late Friday night to 10 a.m. Saturday. Then, a winter storm watch will be in place from 7 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday.
Snow is expected to begin early Sunday and continue throughout the day. Freezing rain and sleet is likely through late Sunday night and into early Monday.
How crews are prepping the roads
Department of Transportation crews in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are working on snow removal plans. PennDOT’s Brad Rudolph said there are more than 400 snow removal trucks ready to roll out.
“Depending on the intensity of the storm, those plow routes are going to be slow going. It could take a couple of hours to get from start to finish on each of those plow routes,” he said.
“By the time you get to the beginning and start over again, there are going to be snow-covered roads,” Rudolph continued, “so we are going to keep them passable. They are not going to be completely free of snow and ice, not with this particular storm.”
Jana Tidwell, with AAA Mid-Atlantic, advises drivers to make sure their cars are ready for the roads if they have to go out in the snow.
"Have your tires checked for tire tread depth as well as PFI. 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."
Those who have to drive during the storm are advised to stay clear of crews as they clear the roads. 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.
School closings
Kids can enjoy a snow day on Monday. The Philadelphia School District said all schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26.
Archdiocesan high schools and parochial elementary schools in Philadelphia will be closed but will utilize a flexible instruction day. Students and parents should refer to their local school website for further details.
🎒 Find the latest school closings in your neighborhood HERE.
Expect mass transit delays
Andrew Busch, a spokesperson for SEPTA, said "at a minimum," riders should expect major service cancellations and delays starting likely on Sunday. He advised riders to check online or on the SEPTA app before going out to see what services are still running.
"We expect that we will start to have some cancellations on bus service, likely on the Regional Rails as well," he said. "And then depending on how severe the storm gets, it's possible that we will have to shut down portions of the system."
Busch said the most reliable form of transportation during the storm will be both the Broad Street and Market-Frankford subway lines.
"Those are both largely covered and out of the elements. We can keep those going," he said. "Those are key arteries for getting essential workers to the hospitals and other locations, so we do expect that we will be able to maintain service there."
Meanwhile, more than 1,500 flights scheduled for Saturday across the U.S. have already been canceled. Airlines are waiving change fees and fare differences for passengers who are rebooking.
🚗 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.
Trash collection, parking and other city services
Trash and recycling collection in Philadelphia is canceled on Monday. All collections will be pushed back a day for the rest of the week.
Director of the Clean and Green Office Carlton Williams has been put in charge of clearing operations, and he said crews are ready to deal with the snow as soon as it starts.
“We have mobilized over 1,000 workers, including drivers and outside contractors, to work around the clock with multiple shifts, with over 600 pieces of equipment and over 30,000 tons of salt,” he said.
Philadelphia homeowners are reminded that they must shovel sidewalks.
Residents should not park where signs indicate snow emergency routes, beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Cars parked on those routes will be towed.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering a $5 flat rate in all of its garages beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Salt alternatives
Many people across the Delaware Valley have begun to brace for the storm by stocking up on supplies. At one point Wednesday afternoon, the Home Depot in South Philly ran out of rock salt.
If you weren't able to get a bag of rock salt or ice melt, there are some alternatives. Epsom salt, sand, water softener and cat litter can be used, as well as a combination of rubbing alcohol, dish soap and hot water.