Philadelphia Digs Out -- Again
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Delaware Valley got blanketed by another winter storm Tuesday night, forcing the closure of many school districts across the region.
The latest snowstorm was little surprise, though -- forecasters were predicting 4-8 inches of snow, and that's what we got.
Area highways were in pretty good shape. Pennsylvania and New Jersey transportation departments were out in force on Tuesday, laying a brine solution before the first flake fell. Once the snow accumulated, hundreds of plows were dispatched to keep major roads open.
PennDOT said it has the upper hand on the roads, highways, and interstates. They've been waging battle with the latest storm throughout the night with 410 plows and salt trucks, plus private contractors.
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Early morning drivers were faced with the task of sweeping the snow off their cars. Officials were reminding residents that the law requires the removal of all snow from vehicles before they are driven, to reduce the danger to drivers behind.
In Philadelphia, a snow emergency was declared effective 9 PM Tuesday night; officials said vehicles parked along Snow Emergency Routes in the city would be relocated by city tow trucks if they are not removed by their owners. The snow emergency was lifted as of 9 AM Wednesday.
List of Philadelphia Snow Emergency Routes
The CBS Philly storm center received hundreds of school closings. All Philadelphia public and archdiocesan schools are closed today, but Philadelphia public school administrative offices were opening two hours later than normal.
Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter reminded property owners that city regulations now require clearing a 36-inch pedestrian path within six hours after the snowfall ends. Owners of corner properties must also clear the curb cuts from sidewalk to street. And, said the mayor, don't throw the snow from your sidewalk into the street -- it interferes with keeping the streets clear.
The Philadelphia Streets Department announced that trash collection would be delayed one day for the remainder of the week.
SEPTA announced that due to the weather, several bus routes were detoured or truncated. Passengers should visit www.septa.org or call 215-580-7800 for complete detour and service updates.
Septa adds that it was clearing and salting bus stops and regional rail stations but urged passengers to use extra caution. Still, as of 8 AM, Septa's Regional Rail train station at Cornwells Heights remained unshoveled (below).
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PATCO was running on a modified schedule with local service only.
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At Philadelphia International Airport, more than a departing dozen flights were cancelled as of 5 AM. Air passengers are advised to contact their airline for updated information or the airport's web site, PHL.org.
The railroads weren't faring very well, either, at least along the northeast corridor. As the storm moved north from Philadelphia, Amtrak temporarily suspended all rail service between New York City and Boston. Check at amtrak.com for updates.
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Reported by Ed Fischer and Al Novack, KYW Newsradio 1060.
