A blizzard-weary group of city officials today said they were ready for another storm, expected to blast through Philadelphia tomorrow, leaving up to a foot of snow.
"We want the citizens of Philadelphia to know that the city is prepared to take on the latest challenge," said Mayor Nutter's Chief of Staff Clay Armbrister at a news conference this afternoon.
A snow emergency will go into effect at 9 a.m. tomorrow and trash collection will be cancelled today and tomorrow so that streets department workers and equipment can be used for plowing. Residents with Thursday or Friday trash collection will have to wait until their regular day next week.
Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson said 450 pieces of equipment would be deployed, along with 700 personnel. But the city will be open for business tomorrow.
The snow continues to do a number on the city's budget. After three massive winter storms, Mayor Nutter has said the city's winter snow costs could be as high as $15 million. Officials today said the total bill could still exceed that number.
Mayor Nutter was not at the news conference because he was in Washington DC for a meeting of the US Conference of Mayors. He is cutting that trip short to return to Philadelphia tomorrow afternoon, Armbrister said.
Managing Director Camille Barnett was also not in attendance. Armbrister said she was on a "planned absence from the city."