City of Philadelphia: Winter Weather Information

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Glossary

Blizzard Warning

Blizzard Warning

Strong winds, blinding driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected in the next few hours.
Freezing Rain Advisory

Freezing Rain Advisory

A small amount of ice is expected to form on surfaces.
Snow Advisory

Snow Advisory

Snowfall of one to four inches is expected within a 12-hour period.
Snow Emergency

Snow Emergency

Philadelphia may declare a Snow Emergency when a winter storm is expected to create hazardous or dangerous highway conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. Snow Emergencies are usually declared when 12” or more inches of snow are forecasted. A Snow Emergency is not a State of Emergency.

A Snow Emergency lets motorists know that vehicles parked on Snow Emergency Routes must be moved during the Snow Emergency. Vehicles left on Snow Emergency Routes during a Snow Emergency will be ticketed and towed. If your vehicle is towed during a Snow Emergency, call the Streets Department at 215-686-SNOW to find out where it has been relocated. Do not call 9-1-1.

During a Snow Emergency, drivers must move parked and stalled vehicles from Snow Emergency routes for plowing. When relocating your vehicle, park it as far away as possible from the street corner. Vehicles parked too close to the corner prevent plow trucks from making turns.
Winter Storm Warning

Winter Storm Warning

A storm with six or more inches of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain is expected within a 24-hour period.
Winter Storm Watch

Winter Storm Watch

Heavy snow and/or ice is possible within 36 hours.
Winter Weather Advisory

Winter Weather Advisory

A small amount of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain is expected.

Snow Categories

Snow Category 1

Snow Category 1

Sleet and freezing rain. This category warns of street conditions that require caution but do not need major attention and effort by the City, residents, or business owners.
Snow Category 2

Snow Category 2

One to three inches of snow. This category is intended to alert us to a level of snow that can significantly affect our ability to travel. It also indicates that the level can remain and continue to accumulate if freezing temperatures continue.
Snow Category 3

Snow Category 3

Three to six inches of snow. This category alerts us to a heaver snowfall that will require a much more extensive use of lifting, salting and plowing vehicles. It also indicates that trash and recycling collection times may be affected.
Snow Category 4

Snow Category 4

Above six inches of snow. This category alerts us of extreme winter conditions and that deep snow is impending. It is at this time that the Mayor may declare a "Snow Emergency." Everyone should plan ahead for travel to work, school, or any other activity that will take you out driving on city streets. It also indicates that current temperatures are below freezing and can create health risks.