The snow emergency continues in Philadelphia due to dangerous conditions on roadways and residential streets, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced during a press conference on Monday, January 26. Authorities warned that the city is not yet out of danger and that recovery efforts will take as long as necessary to ensure the safety of all residents.
“We are not out of danger. This will take as long as it needs to take to make sure all residents are safe and that every area is attended to by our crews,” Mayor Parker stated.
Mayor Parker reiterated that resident safety remains the top priority, thanked the community for its patience, and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel while cleanup efforts continue throughout the city. Below are some of the key announcements she shared to update the community.
Remote classes
The School District of Philadelphia will operate remotely this Tuesday, January 27, confirmed Superintendent Tony Watlington. This measure applies only to schools within the School District of Philadelphia, in response to unsafe conditions on streets and sidewalks.
City government offices and courts closed
Municipal government offices and courts will remain closed, as many employees have been reassigned to maintenance, cleanup, and other departments involved in the city’s recovery process.
Emergency routes warning and fines
The mayor made an urgent call for community cooperation, especially regarding parking on emergency routes: “We need your help. There are people who continue to park on emergency routes, and this delays the process. We don’t want to tow vehicles, but you cannot park in areas designated for emergencies,” Parker emphasized.
Authorities announced that fines will be issued to those who fail to clear their communal spaces or who block access for emergency and maintenance crews.
Public transportation (SEPTA)
The SEPTA transit system continues to operate with limited service. Some bus routes and regional rail lines are experiencing delays, interruptions, or cancellations, especially in residential areas where streets have not yet been fully cleared.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their route before traveling and to consider alternative transportation options if possible.
Trash and recycling
The city reported that trash and recycling collection services will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, on a staggered basis throughout the week as conditions allow safe access for sanitation trucks. Residents are asked not to place trash at the curb until receiving further official instructions.
Assistance for people experiencing homelessness
As part of the emergency response, fire, police, and other agency crews were deployed to transport at least 60 people who were outdoors to safe and warm locations.
The city urges the community to report to people experiencing homelessness or exposure to low temperatures by calling the 24-hour hotline at 215-232-1984.
Warming centers remain open
Due to extremely low temperatures and the ongoing Enhanced Code Blue, the city is keeping several warming centers open for anyone in need of shelter from the cold.
The following locations are available as Warming Centers during the emergency:
Recreation Centers – Hours: 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
M. L. King Recreation Center 2101 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121
DiSilvestro Playground 1701 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19145
Scanlon Playground 1099 E. Tioga St., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Centers Open 24/7
Scanlon Recreation Center – 1099 E. Venango St.
Sunshine House (Operation Save Our City) – 2774 Kensington Ave
DiSilvestro Recreation Center – 1701 S. 15th St.
Samuel Recreation Center – 3539 Gaul St.
Hub of Hope – 1400 Arch St.
Prevention Point – 2913–2915 Kensington Ave.
Hours: 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Public Libraries – Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Nicetown–Tioga Library – 3720–22 N. Broad St.
Parkway Branch Library – 1901 Vine St.
Northeast Regional Library – 2230 Cottman Ave.
Fumo Family Library – 2437 S. Broad St.
Blackwell Regional Library – 125 S. 52nd St.
Other Libraries
Bustleton Library – 10199 Bustleton Ave (19116)
Haddington Library – 446 N. 65th St. (19151)
Kensington Library – 104 W. Dauphin St. (19133)
Lillian Marrero Library – 601 W. Lehigh Ave (19133)
Logan Library – 1333 Wagner Ave (19141)
Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library – 125 S. 52nd St. (19139)
Queen Memorial Library – 1201 S. 23rd St. (19146)
Walnut Street West Library – 201 S. 40th St. (19104)
For the full and most up-to-date list of warming centers, visit phila.gov/getwarm.
