Philly braces for winter storm

Snow started falling Sunday as Philadelphia began preparing for what forecasters believe will be the city’s second major winter storm of the season.

The nor’easter is expected to bring 8 to 12 inches of snow to Philadelphia, and the northern suburbs may get 12 to 18, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters believe the snow will continue until Tuesday.

Crews have been prepping streets since Friday, and officials said the Streets Department has 50,000 tons of salt ready.

“Our goal is to make roads passable and return the city back to normal operations as quickly as possible,” City Managing Director Tumar Alexander said in a statement Sunday.

Municipal officials planned to declare a snow emergency beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, meaning anyone parked on a snow emergency route needs to move their car.

The city encouraged people not to park near the corner, as their cars may block plowing vehicles trying to make a turn.

Trash and recycling will not be collected Monday, so residents who usually have their garbage picked up on Mondays will have to wait until Feb. 8, according to the city.

Officials said the rest of the week’s trash collection schedule will be determined on Monday.

All city-run coronavirus testing and vaccination sites will be closed Monday, and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is working to reschedule appointments.

Anyone planning to go in for a test or vaccine at a privately-run location should contact the site to check if it is open.

Catholic elementary schools in the city, which have been holding in-person classes, will be closed Monday, and Archdiocese of Philadelphia high schools will have a virtual “flexible day of instruction.”

Parochial schools in the suburban counties usually follow the lead of their local public school district for snow days, the archdiocese said.

Philadelphia public school students are expected to log in to their remote classes as usual in the morning. They will receive independent tasks in the afternoon, which will allow students time to play outside, according to the School District of Philadelphia.

All district offices, school buildings and technology support centers will be closed Monday. Access Centers, where registered parents drop off their children for supervised virtual learning, will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

Businesses, including those closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have to clear a 36-inch path through the snow on their sidewalks within six hours after snowfall has stopped.

Restaurants are being asked to remove as much of their outdoor dining areas as possible. Officials said the city is not responsible for any damage to seating areas as a result of plowing.