Philadelphia declares Snow Emergency: What you need to know
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With 5-6 inches of snow expected to fall in Philadelphia Friday, preparations and precautions are underway.
During a news conference Thursday night, Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city officials declared a Snow Emergency that will begin at 7 a.m. on Friday.
Here's what you need to know:
What is a snow emergency?
The city will be under a Snow Emergency starting at 7 a.m., which brings special parking restrictions.
During a Snow Emergency, drivers must move cars off of Snow Emergency Routes. Vehicles left on these routes will be ticketed and towed, according to the city's website. If your car is towed during this time, call the Streets Department at 215-686-SNOW. Do not call 911.
See a full list of emergency routes on the city's website.
Park as far away from corners as possible, the city advises, to leave room for plows.
Mayor Parker with city and labor leaders received a weather briefing after holding a press conference this evening. National Weather Service forecasts 5-6” of snowfall possible. The City declared a Snow Emergency in effect at 7am Friday to enable Streets Dept to clear roads (1/2) pic.twitter.com/nKhkOpGtOA
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) January 19, 2024
RELATED: Preparations underway across Philadelphia region for second round of snow this week
School District of Philadelphia will have a snow day
The School District of Philadelphia will be closed Friday for a snow day.
All district offices will be closed, and all activities are canceled, Superintendent Tony Watlington said during a press conference Thursday night.
"As a father of three children, I understand the importance of children having fun and experiencing joy, which is one of our Accelerate Philly core values," Superintendent Tony Watlington said about the snow day.
RELATED: See the full list school closings and delays in the area
Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools in the city will have a flexible learning day.
Philadelphia courts and libraries closed
Philadelphia courts and offices will be closed on Friday due to the weather. Scheduled in-person and virtual meetings will be rescheduled.
Critical services like the municipal's arraignment court, bail acceptance and filing of emergency protection from abuse in the Stout Center will remain open.
All branches of the Philadelphia Free Library will be closed.
All Phila Courts & Offices will be CLOSED 1/19 due to weather. Scheduled matters (in-person/virtual) will be rescheduled. Critical services remain operational including: Municipal’s Arraignment Court, Bail Acceptance and filing of Emergency Protection from Abuse in Stout Center.
— PhilaCourts (@PhilaCourts) January 18, 2024
Homeless outreach hotline
If you see people experiencing homelessness during winter weather in Philadelphia, call the homeless outreach hotline at (215) 232-1984.
A Code Blue is in effect until further notice. People do not need ID to enter shelters at this time and can remain inside throughout the Code Blue.
A reminder a #CodeBlue is in effect until further notice. If you see someone living outside in freezing temperatures, call our #Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215.232.1984.
— Homeless Services (@PHLCityHomeless) January 16, 2024
Learn how @PhiladelphiaGov helps during extreme cold and how you can too: https://t.co/0XD7uNFNP1
Where should I park in Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Parking Authority will offer 24-hour parking for $5 at six parking garages until the emergency ends. The garages are: AutoPark at Independence Mall, AutoPark at Jefferson, AutoPark at the Fashion District, AutoPark at Old City, Parkade on 8th and Philadelphia Family Court Garage. Learn more about available parking garages on PPA's website.
ALERT: Due to the snow emergency, $5 flat-rate parking will be offered at six PPA-operated Center City garages. More details on the discounted rate and parking enforcement here ➡️ https://t.co/qmeKS3h8OY
— The PPA (@PhilaParking) January 19, 2024
Check the plowing and salting status of roads in your neighborhood
Check PlowPHL, part of the StreetSmartPHL platform, to check the status of plowing and salting around Philadelphia.
SEPTA and PHL
SEPTA: Check for updates at septa.org and @SEPTA on Twitter.
Philadelphia International Airport: The city is encouraging travelers and those picking up travelers to call their airline or check the PHL website, or call 1-800-PHL-GATE (745-4283) for updates. "The airport has brined onsite roadways, with snow removal and deicing operations planned for the duration of the event," according to the city.
Trash and recycling collection
Sanitation crews and equipment will be diverted to snow operations, according to a news release from the city, which also included this guidance:
"The City is currently on a holiday schedule due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday which means collections are currently one day behind regular schedule. Friday's collections which was scheduled to be picked up on Saturday, Jan. 20 is now suspended. Residents who normally have Friday's collections will have to hold their materials until next Friday as crews will not be able to pick up materials while they are working on snow operations."
New Jersey remains under state of emergency
New Jersey is under a state of emergency because of weather, and state offices will close Friday.
Gov. Phil Murphy issued the state of emergency last week during a powerful rainstorm.
NEXT WEATHER: Tracking another 5-6 inches of snow Friday