Philadelphia Lifts Snow Emergency Status

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced the city is no longer under a snow emergency as of 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Managing Director Mike DiBerardinis lifted the snow emergency declaration at 1 p.m. today, Kenney's office said.

Parking is now allowed on snow emergency routes and the the Philadelphia Parking Authority will resume enforcement of all parking violations starting at 4 p.m.

Also, discounted parking rates at PPA Center City garages will continue until 4 p.m. Parking the garages after 4 p.m. will cost regular rates.

Kenney's office said plowing ans salting crews will keep working to clear streets and are expected keep working into the evening, so look out for plows.

Kenny's office also said 3-1-1 requests for salting and plowing will not be taken until Thursday.

"Travelers are advised to continue to use caution, particularly heading into the afternoon rush hour, when refreezing of roadways is possible," Kenney's office said.

Trash and recycling collections will resume on Wednesday, but residents who normally have trash and recycling collected Tuesday must wait until next week for theirs to be picked up.

Kenney's office also offered up these reminders to residents:

• There will be no collections picked up in driveways for the remainder of the week beginning Tuesday. Residents should place materials at curbside in the front of their homes all week. To accommodate residents impacted by collection delays the Streets Department will extend the hours of its six Sanitation Convenience Centers until 8pm all week. Visit the Streets Department's website for locations.
• The City is in Code Blue until temperatures rise and it is safe to be outside again. This winter the Office of Homeless Services has added 304 beds and 124 Café slots for Code Blue. People do not need ID to enter Code Blue shelters or cafes from the street, and they can remain indoors throughout the duration of the Code Blue. If you are concerned about someone who is homeless, please call the Outreach Coordination Center at (215) 232-1984 at any time. Outreach is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. First responders can also transport people to shelter for their own safety.
• Residents are expected to shovel all walkways and clear a 36-inch path 6 hours after the conclusion of the storm. Failure to shovel walkways can result in a $50 code violation notice. Residents and private contractors are also prohibited from shoveling or plowing snow into the streets. This creates a safety hazard and makes it difficult for the city to plow effectively.
• All inmate visits are canceled Tuesday for all jails in Philadelphia County.

Patch file photo