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‘We are ready’: Mayor Parker says Philadelphia prepared to take on incoming winter storm
Mayor Cherelle Parker and Philadelphia officials shared updates on the city's preparedness for the incoming winter storm.
NEW CASTLE - Mayor Parker ensured Philadelphia's readiness for the incoming winter storm and declared a Snow Emergency, urging residents to remain off the roads.
Forecasters are calling for up to a foot of snow in Philadelphia from Sunday into Monday, which could mark the city's largest snowstorm in a decade.
Philly Snow Emergency
What they're saying:
Mayor Parker announced a Snow Emergency in Philadelphia that will go into effect at 9 p.m. Saturday and will not expire until road conditions improve.
Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes are required to move by the 9 p.m. deadline or risk being towed. Click here for a list of snow emergency routes.
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"Please take this storm seriously, now it the time to prepare," Parker said.
To help keep roads clear, Philadelphia is offering $5 daily parking at city-owned lots beginning Saturday at 7 p.m.
Philadelphia schools closed
What we know:
Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington announced that Philly schools will be closed on Monday and students will be free from remote learning to enjoy the snow day.
Students will be sent home on Friday with Chromebooks that will be used for remote learning if schools are still closed after Monday.
"I understand how important it is for our children to have fun and experience one of the core values of our strategic plan, which is ‘Joy’," Dr. Watlington said.
Philly snow forecast: Double-digit snowfall totals expected this weekend with freezing cold temps
Double-digit snowfall totals are expected in Philadelphia and parts of the suburbs from a weekend storm that will bring freezing cold temperatures along with it.
Plowing and clearing snow
Local perspective:
Office of Clean and Green Initiatives Carlton Williams said crews have been brining streets in preparation for the winter storm since Monday.
Snow removal crews are standing ready with over 1,000 workers, 600 pieces of equipment, and over 30,000 tons of salt to clear roads and city sidewalks.
While snow emergency routes remain the city's top priority, Parker and Williams promised that tertiary streets sprawled across the city will not be forgotten.
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Philly snow forecast: Snowfall totals could reach double-digits this weekend
Philadelphia is bracing for a intense winter storm that could drop double-digit snow accumulations in the city and suburbs. FOX 29's Sue Serio has the latest forecast.
Trash/Recycling changes
What we know:
Trash and recycling has been canceled on Monday, and all subsequent trash/recycling days will be pushed back a day, according to the city.
Additional announcements on trash and recycling changes will depend on the impact of the storm and the progress of the snow removal efforts.
Latest forecast
Local perspective:
Forecasters are bracing for a massive winter storm, the likes of which the City of Philadelphia has not seen in a decade when over 22" fell.
This storm likely won't reach the 20" mark in Philadelphia, but forecasters believe accumulations could reach double-digits.
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Philly snow forecast: Double digit snowfall totals expected from weekend storm
FOX 29's Sue Serio has the latest on this weekend's snowstorm that could bring double digit snowfall totals to parts of the Philadelphia region.
Snow is expected to start early Sunday morning and last into Monday, with a blast of artic air that will make temps in the 20s feel much colder.
A winter storm watch will go into effect on Saturday night and remain in place until the storm wraps up on Monday.