Philadelphia region braces for Snowmaggedon 2.0
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The second blockbuster storm of the winter is poised to bring blizzard conditions and potentially record-breaking snowfall to the Philadelphia region.
Why it matters: "Here we go again" is the sentiment of many Philadelphians as Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration tries to avoid a repeat of last month's storm response, which crippled city services and transportation for days.
State of play: Snowfall totals are forecast to reach 10-18 inches across the metro and wind gusts could top out at 45 mph, Zack Cooper, meteorologist at the NWS's Mount Holly outpost, tells Axios.
- The heaviest snowfall should tapper off around noon on Monday, but expect light snowfall and gusts winds to stick around into the early evening.
- A blizzard warning is in effect through 6pm on Monday.
- Plus: Philly is under a snow emergency, with city offices and courts closed on Monday.
Threat level: Travel conditions are expected to be very difficult to impossible as snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour.
- Travel restrictions are in effect on some state highways.
What they're saying: "The combination of heavy snow, blowing snow and gusty winds could result in trouble for crews to quickly clear the roads and power outages," Cooper says.
- He added: "Overall, it's a serious event."
🗑️ What else: Trash and recycling pickup in Philly is canceled for Monday and Tuesday.
- Collections will run two days behind schedule for the rest of the week but are subject to change.
🏫 The Philly school district has moved classes virtual for at least Monday.
🚇 SEPTA service will run as long as it's safe to operate, per a news release.
The intrigue: Parker is on the hot seat.
- The mayor faced blowback from residents frustrated with the administration's cleanup and response to last month's massive snowstorm.
By the numbers: Philly has already spent an estimated $59 million on storm-related costs this winter, per the administration.
- That included operating warming centers for 25 straight days and scattering more than 15,000 tons of salt after last month's storm.
Zoom out: Gov. Josh Shapiro has declared a state of emergency through Monday, urging residents to take the storm "seriously."
- The National Guard is also on standby.
What we're watching: Whether Parker's administration can deliver core services, like snow removal and trash pickup, soon after the storm ends.