A winter storm dropped more than a foot of snow across Philadelphia, triggering a Snow Emergency and activating a citywide response.
The National Weather Service reported 14.0 inches of snow at Philadelphia International Airport. Neighborhood totals varied. Northeast Philadelphia recorded 16.0 inches (9:15 a.m., 2/23/26). Fox Chase measured 14.8 inches (11:00 a.m., 2/23/26). Roxborough reported 14.0 inches (10:00 a.m., 2/23/26). Philadelphia International Airport recorded 14.0 inches (1:00 p.m., 2/23/26). Belmont had 12.7 inches (6:40 a.m., 2/23/26). Point Breeze recorded 11.0 inches (3:00 a.m., 2/23/26). Germantown measured 9.9 inches (10:09 a.m., 2/23/26). Bustleton reported 9.8 inches (2:02 p.m., 2/23/26).
Blowing and drifting snow continued after the heaviest snowfall ended. Officials warned travel could remain difficult and urged residents to avoid unnecessary trips while crews cleared roads.
Parking was prohibited on posted Snow Emergency routes until the declaration is lifted. The Philadelphia Parking Authority offered $5 flat-fee parking in designated Center City garages for drivers who needed to move vehicles. Anyone whose vehicle was relocated was directed to call 215-686-SNOW.
The Streets Department mobilized more than 1,000 personnel and over 800 trucks and pieces of equipment. Equipment included large triaxle snowplows, dump trucks, sanitation trucks with plows, pickup trucks, and smaller units for narrow streets. Crews from multiple City agencies and contractors plowed and salted primary, secondary, and residential roads. Work continued overnight as temperatures dropped. Snow was excavated from tight blocks and transported by the ton to storage sites and snow melters. The City used three snow melters and newly purchased snow blowers to clear ADA ramps, intersections, crosswalks, and bike lanes.
Wind gusts reached up to 45 mph, contributing to tree damage and scattered outages. Parks and Recreation crews responded to 100 trees down across the city and completed 70 inspections. Emergency tree removals continued. Inspections will continue through the spring because heavy snow and wind may compromise additional trees.
The City used the StreetSmartPHL PlowPHL dashboard to track operations. A citywide map showed most streets in dark blue to indicate recent plowing or salting. As of 4 p.m., crews had treated 71 percent of city roadways at least once. The interactive map displays vehicles assigned to plowing and salting routes and refreshes every 30 minutes at streetsmartphl.phila.gov.
Philly311 remained open. Requests for salting or plowing were not accepted during active clearing operations. Requests will resume once authorized by the director of snow operations.
City offices reopened the following day. The First Judicial District reopened all courts. The School District of Philadelphia remained virtual for one additional day. After two days of virtual classes, students returned to in-person instruction on Wednesday, February 25. More than a foot of snow fell from Sunday into Monday morning, prompting widespread closures. Warmer temperatures on Monday helped speed snow removal.
Trash and recycling collections were suspended Monday, February 23 and Tuesday, February 24. Service resumed Wednesday on a two-day delay. Monday collections shifted to Wednesday; Tuesday to Thursday; Wednesday to Friday; Thursday to Saturday; and Friday to Sunday. Neighborhoods that normally receive a second weekly pickup had one collection only. No collections were made in rear driveways due to the risk of trucks getting stuck. Residents were instructed to place materials in front of their homes and, if possible, on top of snow mounds. Delays were expected, especially on streets that remained inaccessible.
Residents unable to wait for pickup could use one of six sanitation convenience centers, open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Northeast Philadelphia (8401 State Rd., 19136); Northwest Philadelphia (320 Domino Ln., 19128); Port Richmond (3901 Delaware Ave., 19137); Southwest Philadelphia (3033 S 63rd St., 19153); Strawberry Mansion (2601 W Glenwood Ave., 19121); and West Philadelphia (5100 Grays Ave., 19143).
The Philadelphia Water Department continued operating. Customers could call (215) 685-6300, including the 24-hour emergency line. To report emergencies such as street leaks or damaged hydrants, callers were instructed to select option 1. Water Department staff assisted with snow removal and emergency operations.
Philadelphia International Airport resumed arriving and departing flights at 2:20 p.m. Monday. Travelers were advised to check flight status before heading to the airport. Updates were available through airlines, at 1-800-PHL-GATE (745-4283), or at phl.org.
More than 250 overnight stays were recorded across five City Warming Centers under an Enhanced Code Blue. A sixth warming center was added. On Tuesday, warming centers operated on 12-hour schedules. Select Free Library of Philadelphia locations served as daytime sites. City recreation centers hosted overnight visitors. Anyone who saw someone sleeping outside who may need help was directed to call the Homeless Street Outreach Hotline at (215) 232-1984. The Office of Homeless Services confirmed space was available indoors and that no one would be turned away. Residents seeking food assistance were directed to phila.gov/food or to call 311.
City guidance directed residents to avoid unnecessary travel, move vehicles off Snow Emergency routes, maintain safe driving distances, and avoid shoveling snow into the street. Property owners were required to clear sidewalks at least 36 inches wide within six hours of the storm ending. Corner property owners were responsible for clearing curb ramps. Residents were instructed to keep fire hydrants clear, clear sewer drains, and remove snow from utility access covers to speed shutoffs during water or gas emergencies. Emergency calls were directed to 911; non-emergency requests to 311.
Pet safety enforcement remained in effect. Residents who observed a dog outside during extreme cold, aside from short breaks, were directed to contact the ACCT Philly hotline at (267) 385-3800 ext. 1. Leaving dogs outside without proper shelter in extreme cold carries fines up to $500.
