Major Winter Storm Slams Philadelphia With Heavy Snow

The Philadelphia region is bracing for one of its most significant winter storms in over a decade, as a powerful system sweeps across much of the United States, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and dangerously cold temperatures. According to WHYY News, roughly 140 million people from New Mexico to New England are under a winter storm warning this weekend, with the Philadelphia area expected to be among the hardest hit.

Winter storm warnings have been posted for the entire Philadelphia region from the evening of Saturday, January 24, 2026, through Monday, January 26, 2026, as confirmed by WPVI and the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly branch. The warnings extend across counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, including Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware, eastern Montgomery, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Kent, New Castle, and Sussex.

Forecasters expect the action to start early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, with heavy snow falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. "So that snowy winter wonderland Sunday morning turns into a sleet/icefest for most of our area by lunchtime," wrote meteorologist Cecily Tynan for 6abc, as cited by WHYY News. The National Weather Service gives a 60-80% confidence level for these intense snowfall rates during the day on Sunday.

Snowfall totals for the city are projected to reach between 8 to 12 inches, with the possibility of as much as 18 inches in some spots, though recent forecasts have trimmed these numbers slightly south and east of the I-95 corridor due to warmer air and increased wintry mixing. Areas farther north are likely to see higher totals, while places near Cape May and Bethany Beach could see 4 to 6 inches. The latest maps from WPVI show Philadelphia in the 8-10 inch range, while WHYY News notes that this could be the city’s first double-digit snowfall in more than ten years—the last time being the 19.6 inches that fell on January 23, 2016.

But the snow is only part of the story. As the storm evolves Sunday afternoon, a surge of warmer air will push northwest from the coast, leading to a messy mix of sleet and freezing rain. WPVI forecasts that sleet will begin in Philadelphia between 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, with mixing moving as far as the Lehigh Valley. By Sunday evening, far southeastern areas may turn to plain rain, while I-95 could experience a period of freezing rain. Across the I-95 corridor, South Jersey, and northern Delmarva, ice accumulations of 0.1 to 0.3 inches are possible, raising the risk of isolated power outages as ice weighs down tree limbs and power lines.

Travel is expected to become treacherous, if not nearly impossible, as the storm intensifies. The National Weather Service warns that significant ice accumulation could lead to widespread and long-lasting power outages, and urges residents to stay off the roads if possible. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency on Friday, January 23, 2026, stating, "Stay off the roads if you can. Be safe." New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill followed suit, declaring a state of emergency for all 21 counties effective 5 p.m. Saturday, and announced a commercial vehicle travel restriction on interstate highways. "I’m urging New Jerseyans to make plans to avoid travel Saturday evening and all day Sunday," Sherrill said, emphasizing the importance of keeping roads clear for first responders and snow plows.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker declared a snow emergency for the city beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026. During a snow emergency, 110 miles of designated snow routes must be clear of vehicles and dumpsters to allow plows to work efficiently. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering 24-hour, $5 flat-rate parking at several city garages to help residents move their cars off the streets. Mayor Parker urged, "Limit unnecessary travel once conditions worsen and if you must be out, give yourself extra time, drive slowly and stay off the roads if conditions become hazardous so our crews and first responders can do their jobs safely." Vehicles left on emergency routes risk being ticketed and towed.

Transit systems are also preparing for disruptions. SEPTA’s Market-Frankford and Broad Street subway lines are expected to be the most reliable, but trolleys will divert to 40th and Market streets through early Monday, and shuttle buses will fill in as needed. Regional Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule Monday, with possible weather-related delays or suspensions. PATCO will run modified schedules, with trains every 30 minutes on Sunday and every 15-20 minutes on Monday, but travel times may be extended by up to 30 minutes. Riders are encouraged to check alerts before heading out, as teams will be working around the clock to clear walkways and platforms.

Air travel is no exception to the chaos. Philadelphia International Airport announced the cancellation of most Saturday flights, and more than 11,000 flights have been canceled nationwide this weekend. Passengers are advised to confirm flight status directly with their airlines, as travel advisories are in effect and rebooking fees are being waived by major carriers like Delta and American.

City services will also see major impacts. Trash collection is suspended Monday, with pickups pushed back a day for the rest of the week. Philadelphia courts will be closed, except for emergency virtual hearings in Orphans’ Court. Those summoned for jury duty on Monday are excused. Nonessential city offices, health centers, parks, recreation centers, and in-person prison visits will be closed. Critical services, such as emergency protection filings and preliminary arraignments, will remain operational.

Schools are not immune to the storm’s effects. The School District of Philadelphia announced that all public schools will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026, with Chromebooks sent home with students for possible virtual learning if closures extend. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will also close its high schools and elementary schools, shifting to "Flexible Instruction Days." Parents and students are advised to check their local school websites for further instructions.

For the city’s most vulnerable, Philadelphia has enacted an Enhanced Code Blue, activating special measures to protect unhoused residents. Outreach teams are working 24/7 to bring people indoors, and all available emergency housing beds are open. Twenty-one warming centers, including several operating around the clock, are available until the snow emergency ends. Residents concerned about unhoused individuals or older adults during the extreme cold are encouraged to contact the city’s Homeless Outreach hotline or the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

Once the storm passes, the region will not see relief anytime soon. Both WPVI and WHYY News report that a prolonged period of "well below normal" temperatures will follow, with highs remaining below freezing and wind chills plunging into the single digits or even below zero each night. This means that snow and ice will persist, with little chance of melting until later the following week.

As the city hunkers down for what could be a historic winter event, officials and meteorologists alike urge caution, preparation, and patience. With travel restrictions, school closures, and emergency measures in place, Philadelphia is doing all it can to weather the storm and keep residents safe until the skies clear and the cold finally loosens its grip.