PHILADELPHIA– The Streets Department and related agencies are mobilizing staffing and resources for the arrival of snow tomorrow, the first event of the 2017-2018 season.

Current forecasts call for 1 to 3 inches of snow with temperatures between 30 to 33 degrees throughout the day and evening on Saturday. The Streets Department will have 70 trucks ready to treat the streets with over 50,000 tons of salt available. This is planned to be a salting operation of primary and secondary roads, bridge decks and streets in higher elevations. Salting of roads will not begin until the snow arrives. The size of the Department’s salting operation will depend on the forecast at the time, but crews will be on standby for deployment.

Streets Department and Fleet Management crews are currently checking all equipment to be ready for the deployment. Crews will remain on-duty overnight to monitor roadways and respond to problem locations and emergencies.

Note to assignment desks: The Streets Department will have a photo opportunity today, with trucks and crews preparing for tomorrow’s operation.
Time:  3-4 pm, today, 12/8/17
Location:  Streets Department’s 2nd Highway Yard, located at 3033 S. 63rd Street (63rd & Eastwick Ave.)

Homeless Outreach: Due the National Weather Service predicting snow and temperatures below freezing, the Office of Homeless Services is declaring a Code Blue, starting Saturday, December 9th at 7am, ending Monday, December 11th at 11am. Throughout the Code Blue, Philadelphia’s homeless outreach teams will patrol the streets in greater numbers, urging homeless people to come to local shelters. 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.

Here’s what citizens should know for all winter weather events:
Citizens are urged to use caution while traveling as temperatures are expected to be just above freezing and can cause slippery conditions along with accumulated ice. Motorists are advised to slow down and leave plenty of room in front of them to deal with sudden stopping. In addition, be mindful of wet leaves which can create a slippery residue.  Citizens are also urged to use these simple tips for a successful snow and ice management:

  • Have shovels and de-icing supplies ready.
  • Salt steps and sidewalks early to prevent sticking.
  • Shovel a pathway at least 3 feet wide within six hours of the end of the storm.
  • Pile snow on the sidewalk along the curb line.  Shoveling snow into a plowed street hinders plowing efforts and it is illegal.

Pet Safety: Citizens should contact the ACCT Philly hotline (267-385-3800) if they observe a dog or other pet outside during extreme cold. It is against City ordinance to leave dogs outside in extreme cold without proper shelter, and owners can be fined up to $500.

Stay informed:

  • Tune in to local news for weather updates.
  • Sign up for emergency alerts and weather updates from ReadyPhiladelphia at www.phila.gov/ready.
  • For official updates from the City, follow @PhilaOEM on Twitter or find them on Facebook.
  • Other City Twitter accounts to follow for information: @PhiladelphiaGov; @Philly311; @PhilaStreets; @PhillyPolice; and @PhillyFireDept.
###