Cancellations, Closures, and Detours: What to Know About the Snowstorm

More than 200 flights have been canceled at PHL, and some SEPTA routes are detoured. Here’s what’s happening with the weather on Thursday.


Good morning, Philly. Have you looked out your window yet?

We’re not under a blizzard warning like New Jersey, but strong snow-blowing winds might make it look that way. Thursday morning’s winter storm (which is expected to bring 4 to 6 inches of snow to the city) is causing some travel difficulties, as expected. Here’s a running list of cancellations, closures, and detours.

(Oh, and it’s only going to get colder and windier over the next few days, so if you haven’t do so yet, check out our guide our how to survive the city’s deep freeze.)

Flight cancellations

If you think you’re flying on Thursday, you may want to check again: More than 200 flights have been canceled at the Philadelphia International Airport.

Before embarking on your journey to the airport, be sure to check your flight status with your airline or by calling 1-800-PHL-Gate. Visit PHL’s website for other updates and travel advisories during the snowstorm.

Roads and highways

The city declared a snow emergency last night. All parked cars must be moved off snow emergency routes for plowing. Visit the Street Department’s website for a map of snow emergency routes and more information on the status.  If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW to retrieve it.

Parts of the Pennsylvania Turnpike are operating under a Level 2 Weather warning, meaning speed limits are reduced to 45 miles per hour. That includes I-76 between the Reading and the Delaware River Bridge exits. The Turnpike Commission is urging all travelers to reduce their speeds and keep alert for changing travel conditions and emergency crews on the roadway.

For travel and traffic conditions, visit 511pa.com.

SEPTA and PATCO

Many SEPTA Regional Rail lines are seeing delays as of Thursday afternoon. Some trains have been cancelled. The West Trenton line was temporarily suspended after a train struck a car in Lower Moreland Township, killing one person; it’s not clear whether that crash was related to the weather or not. Service resumed around 1 p.m.

Some bus routes have been suspended (like the 35, the 92 and the 120), while many others have been detoured. For more information and the most recent updates, check SEPTA’s System Status online.

PATCO is currently operating on a snow schedule. All trains are local and operating at reduced speeds. For more information, visit PATCO’s website.

Delays and adjustments are expected as the storm continues into the afternoon.

Schools and colleges

The School District of Philadelphia, the Archdiocesan schools and many charter schools are closed on Thursday.

Temple University, St. Joseph’s University, Villanova University and La Salle University are closed on Thursday. Drexel University will close at 1 p.m.

City government

City government offices will be open during normal business hours.

Philly is currently operating under Code Blue, a warning that pertains to people experiencing homelessness. If you are worried about the safety of someone you see on the street, call the city’s outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.

Call the Animal Care and Control Team Philly hotline at 267-385-3800 if you’re concerned about a dog or pet outside during the snowstorm.

This story will be updated. Check back for more information.