City declares snow emergency

The City of Philadelphia has declared a snow emergency effective 7 o'clock tonight.

Mayor Nutter said 700 Streets Department workers and 450 vehicles will be out to clear snow as a winter storm makes it way through the area tonight.

"We are in the business of fighting snowstorms," the mayor said at a briefing this morning.

Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson said officials did not expect this morning's snowfall to last as long as it did, but that roadways were brined overnight so that thoroughfares remained somewhat passable.

To accommodate car owners, the Philadelphia Parking Authority will charge only $5 a day to park at is facilities starting at 4 p.m. today until 7 p.m. Friday.

In lieu of Nite Owl Bus service, SEPTA's Market Frankford and Broad Street Lines will operate continuously Wednesday night into Thursday morning every 20 minutes.Under the snow emergency, all parked vehicles must be removed from marked snow emergency routes.

The 311 line will operate for 24 hours.

The city's Office of Emergency Management offers this list of guidelines and tips.

- Clear a sidewalk path of at least 36 inches wide within 6 hours of the end of the storm. For owners of properties located on the corner, the path must include curb cuts and not simply a path around the corner of the property.

- Do not throw snow into the streets. This is illegal and significantly hampers plowing operations.

- Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.

- Uncovering fire hydrants.

- Make sure you park your car as far away from the corner as possible. Cars parked too close to the corner limit the turning radius of salting vehicles and plows.

- Check on sick and elderly neighbors.

- Bring pets indoors.