Philadelphia Digs Out: Closures, Transit Slowdowns and Frigid Wind Chills After Major Snowstorm

If your Monday in the Philadelphia region feels like a snow globe that got a little too aggressive a shake, you’re not imagining it. According to reports from multiple outlets, this was the biggest winter storm to hit the Delaware Valley since at least 2021, with many spots rivaling some of the largest events of the past decade. The storm slammed the city, surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs, South Jersey and Delaware with heavy snow and gusty winds, leaving behind slick roads, towering plow piles and a very slow start to the work week.

Many families got the early-morning robocall they were secretly hoping for. The School District of Philadelphia closed all schools for Monday, January 26, after declaring a snow day ahead of the storm, and districts like Central Bucks and Norristown Area followed suit with full closures of in-person classes. Dozens of additional districts across the region also shut down or shifted to flexible or remote instruction, and a full, frequently updated list of closures is being maintained by local TV news outlets so parents can double-check their district status before heading out.

Transit is moving, but it’s far from business as usual. SEPTA suspended major portions of bus and Regional Rail service on Sunday, and officials say Monday will be a gradual restart, with Regional Rail operating on a Saturday-style schedule “when it is safe to do so,” and possible gaps at the very start of service. Riders are being urged to build in extra time, expect delays and cancellations, and stick to the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines where possible, which SEPTA continues to describe as the most reliable options during winter weather. NJ Transit has issued similar warnings, telling South Jersey commuters to anticipate lingering delays and modified schedules as crews continue to clear snow and ice from tracks and platforms.

As far as Philadelphia International Airport, they say that travelers should expect delays and possible cancellations today. They suggest travelers check with their airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport.

So how much snow did we actually get? According to preliminary snowfall totals from the National Weather Service, Ocean City, New Jersey, picked up about 6 inches, while parts of the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, topped 11 inches. Philadelphia itself saw around 9 inches at the airport, with many neighborhoods reporting between 6 and 9 inches, and surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs, South Jersey towns, and northern Delaware communities stacked up similar numbers, often in the 7–10 inch range. Those totals make this storm the biggest widespread snow event for the region since at least 2021, and in some spots, the most significant snow since 2016.

Unfortunately, the weather story doesn’t end when the flakes stop falling. Forecasters say Monday will stay cold and windy, with highs only in the upper 20s and wind chills making it feel more like the teens for much of the day. Local forecast discussions note that an arctic air mass is settling in behind the storm, which means snow and ice on sidewalks and side streets will be slow to melt. A stray snow shower or flurry can’t be ruled out, especially north and west of the city, so drivers should still watch for surprise slick spots on ramps and overpasses.

If you have to head out, think “storm cleanup mode.” Officials are still asking residents to keep cars off posted snow emergency routes so plows and emergency vehicles can get through, and to clear at least a three-foot-wide path on sidewalks for pedestrians and mail carriers. Trash and recycling pickups are pushed back by a day in many neighborhoods, so it’s worth double-checking your revised schedule before dragging cans out onto icy curbs. On the plus side, the fresh snow is sticking around long enough for sledding runs and snowman-building after school and work, as long as you bundle up in layers, cover exposed skin and limit time outside when the wind really kicks up.

As the week goes on, meteorologists say this blast of below-normal temperatures will hang around, keeping roads, parking lots and untreated sidewalks slick well beyond Monday. For now, the best plan for Philadelphia, the surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs, South Jersey and Delaware is simple: move slowly, stay flexible with your commute, enjoy the bonus snow day if you got one, and keep an eye on official city, transit and school channels for the latest updates before you head out the door.