Philadelphia is officially under a Blizzard Warning as a powerful nor’easter moves into the region Sunday and continuing into Monday. Forecasters are calling for heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerous travel condition overnight—with the worst of the snow storm expected late Sunday into early Monday morning.
City officials have declared a Snow Emergency beginning Sunday afternoon, and transit agencies, schools, and public offices are already adjusting operations.
Here’s a clear guide to what to expect and how it could impact your plans.
What is a blizzard? ❄️
A blizzard isn’t defined by snowfall totals alone.
A Blizzard Warning means:
- 🌬️ Wind gusting 35 mph or higher
- 🌨️ Falling or blowing snow
- 👀 Visibly reduced to less than 1/4 mile
- ⏰ Conditions lasting at least three hours
Important to note, snow totals don’t determine a blizzard—wind and visibility do. That combination can make travel extremely dangerous, even if accumulation varies by neighborhood.
How much snow is expected in Philly? 🌨️
Snowfall totals will vary across the region:
- Philadelphia: 8-12 inches
- Coastal South Jersey & Delaware: 12-18 inches
- North and west of the city: 4-8 inches
The heaviest snow is expected Sunday night into early Monday, when temperatures drop enough for steady accumulation.
Forecasters also note:
- ⛈️ A chance of thundersnow in parts of South Jersey & Delaware
- 💨 Wind gusts up to 50 mph along the coast
- 🌊 Potential coasting flooding and beach erosion
Because the storm intensifies overnight, road conditions could deteriorate quickly while many people are asleep.
When will the worst conditions hit? ⏰
- Sunday morning: Light precipitation begins. Some areas start as rain or a mix.
- Sunday afternoon: Temperatures fall. Rain transitions to snow.
- Sunday night: Heavy snow develops with strong winds.
- Monday morning: snow tapers off west to east. Lingering snow showers possible.
Officials are urging drivers to avoid the roads from Sunday evening through Monday morning if possible
Is there a Snow Emergency in Philadelphia? 🚨
Yes.
The City’s Snow Emergency goes into effect at 4 p.m. Sunday.
That means:
- 🚗 Vehicles must be moved from designated Snow Emergency routes.
- 🚓 Cars left on those routes risk ticketing or towing.
- 🅿️ The Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering $5 flat 24-hour parking at select Center city garages while the emergency is active
- ⏲️ Residential parking limits will not be enforced during the emergency period.
Will SEPTA be shut down? 🚎
Not entirely— but service may be suspended line by line depending on conditions.
Additionally, SEPTA says operations can change quickly during severe weather. Riders should rely on official alerts rather than app departure times if a route is suspended.
Here’s how service could be affected:
Metro
- The L and B lines are most likely to maintain continuous service because they operate on separated tracks.
- Other Metro lines will run as long as conditions allow.
Bus
- Bus routes may be suspended if roads become impassable.
- Restoration will happen route by route after plowing
Regional Rail
- Service may suspended due to frozen switches and ice buildup.
- Restoration will occur once infrastructure is cleared an safe.
SEPTA Access
- Service depends on road conditions.
- Critical medical trips, including dialysis, are prioritized if extreme weather suspends operations
Riders should monitor SEPTA alerts directly and allow extra travel time.
What about PATCO? 🚊
PATCO will operate:
- Regular Sunday service on February 22.
- A snow schedule beginning early Monday morning.
Trains will run at reduced speeds during the storm. Riders should expect delays and build in additional time.
Are Philadelphia schools closed due to the snow storm? 📚
Yes.
The School District of Philadelphia will shift to remote learning Monday.
- The district will close all school buildings.
- The district has canceled all after-school activities and athletics.
.
Specifically, families should check district communication channels for login details and schedule adjustments.
Are city offices and courts closed? 🏛️
Yes.
On Monday:
- All City of Philadelphia administrative offices will be closed
- Philadelphia courts will be closed.
- Delaware state courts (except 24-hour Justice of the Peace locations) will also be closed.
Additionally, nonessential city services will continue to operate during the closure.
Is trash pickup canceled due to the snow storm? 🗑️
Yes, with delays.
- Trash collection is suspended Monday and Tuesday.
- Pickup will be delayed by two days for the remainder of the week.
- Second trash collection is suspended.
- Rear driveway collections are paused.
Residents can drop trash at city sanitation convenience centers if needed.
Should I expect flight disruptions at PHL? ✈️
Indeed, travelers should check flight status before heading out.
However, snow removal operations will be ongoing at Philadelphia International Airport, but delays and cancellations are possible depending on snowfall rates and visibility.
What are the biggest risks from this snow storm?
Beyond snowfall totals, officials are highlighting:
- 🚗 Near-zero visibility during peak winds
- 🌬️ Blowing and drifting snow
- 🌳 Downed tree limbs
- ⚡️Isolated power outages
- 🌊 Coastal flooding in shore communities
Moreover, this storm’s overnight timing increases the likelihood of untreated roadways during peak accumulation hours.
February Snow Storm: The Bottom Line
Philadelphia is facing a high-impact winter snow storm with blizzard conditions likely Sunday night into Monday morning. Expect significant snowfall, hazardous travel, school closures, transit disruptions, and delays in city service.
Lastly, if you can stay home Sunday night and early Monday, officials strongly recommend doing so.