City of Philadelphia
21,100 EMS Calls Answered, 2,288 Intersections Cleared During Prolonged Freeze
From the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office
For Immediate Release: February 17, 2026
Contact: Press@phila.gov
| PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia today announced the conclusion of its historic winter emergency response and the closure of warming centers that operated for 26 consecutive days following sustained below-freezing temperatures. The Enhanced Code Blue, declared Friday, January 20, ended at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, after 25 consecutive nights. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker declared a snow emergency that was in effect for just over two days, from January 24 at 9 p.m. through January 27 at 6 a.m. Nearly 10 inches of snow and ice fell beginning January 25, the largest snowfall since 2016. From January 24 to February 9, the city experienced a mean temperature of 21.3 degrees, the coldest 17-day stretch since December 1989. Today marks the first morning in 23 days that snow depth has dropped below one inch. Snow and Ice Removal Operations A record 13-day stretch of below-freezing temperatures required a shift from traditional plow-and-melt operations to large-scale snow lifting, including: — The Streets Department deployed 200 to 300 pieces of equipment daily to remove and transport snow citywide. — A snow melter operated during the first two days following the storm, eliminating 4.7 million pounds before crews transitioned to hauling operations at more than 30 designated melting sites. At one site near the Philadelphia Zoo, snow mounds reaching up to 20 feet high are estimated to contain more than 130,000 cubic yards of snow. At the direction of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, an intergovernmental task force, including City departments, PennDOT, Philadelphia Parking Authority, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the School District of Philadelphia, and SEPTA, focused on restoring pedestrian access along transit routes, school crossings, crosswalks, and ADA ramps. Crews completed work at 2,288 intersections, addressing 9,152 corners and 18,340 ADA ramps, and cleared 2,804 SEPTA stops serving approximately 233,332 weekday riders. Partner agencies also cleared 1,369 residential blocks near recreation centers and key pedestrian corridors. Operational totals include 15,000 tons of salt deployed, more than 800 pieces of equipment activated, and over 1,000 City employees and contractors mobilized throughout the three-week response. “Since Day One, my administration has made clear that the safety and well-being of every Philadelphian is our highest priority,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The largest snowfall since 2016, combined with a historic stretch of dangerous cold, required a true One Philly response. A tremendous City workforce, outreach teams, first responders, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders came together without hesitation. Because of their coordination, compassion, and commitment, lives were protected during some of the harshest conditions we have faced this winter.” “Our goal has always been to make every area of the city safe and passable,” said Carlton Williams, Director, Office of Clean & Green Initiatives. “That includes primary, secondary, and tertiary streets, as well as pedestrian walkways near schools, transit stops, and recreation centers. Clearing these areas is essential to ensuring safe travel for seniors, students, and residents with disabilities. We will continue working to keep these pathways safe for all.” Nearly 100 personnel from more than 20 City departments and partner organizations worked around the clock to support 22 warming centers. Outreach teams made more than 5,600 street contacts to offer services and life-saving assistance. Transportation partners that took people to warming centers around the clock include Philadelphia’s Fire Department, Police Department, Community Life Improvement Program, CATCH, and ALTA ensuring safe travel operations throughout the Code Blue period. Between January 20 and February 14, outreach teams distributed 2,810 warming kits, 4,000 fleece blankets, 700 cases of water, and 35,000 food items. During the Enhanced Code Blue period, the City provided 38,794 warming stays, including 4,400 overnight guests at recreation centers. These sites offered a safe, warm space for residents who were unsheltered or without reliable heat. “We are grateful to our City and nonprofit partners who helped operate warming centers for Philadelphia residents,” said Cheryl Hill, Executive Director, Office of Homeless Services. “These sites supplemented the 500 emergency shelter beds we began adding to our 3,000-bed system as part of our ongoing 1,000-bed expansion to ensure there are enough beds for everyone who needs one.” Water Main Repairs Since January 19, the Philadelphia Water Department has repaired approximately 61 water main breaks and issued 98 notices to property owners for leaking or defective private service lines requiring licensed repair. PWD received more than 800 calls related to leaks or service interruptions, reflecting the strain prolonged freezing temperatures placed on infrastructure. The Department remains in an enhanced operational posture and maintains 24/7 ice monitoring on the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers to protect critical water intakes. Residents experiencing service interruptions should call 215-685-6300. Repairs may require temporary shutoffs in affected areas. Fire Department Response The Philadelphia Fire Department responded to 21,100 EMS calls and 6,483 fire incidents during this period, including 116 working fires. Several escalated to multiple alarms or required extended operations due to freezing temperatures and water supply challenges. The Department remained fully operational throughout the storm and prolonged freeze. Financial Impact As of mid-February, all City services delivered have led City departments to report an estimated $59 million in storm-response costs related to Winter Storm Fern across all Funds. This preliminary figure may increase as expenses are finalized. Costs include personnel, contracted snow removal, salt and materials, equipment, and coordinated support across multiple departments. While significant, these costs reflect the historic duration and intensity of this major Winter storm and the City’s commitment to keeping roads passable, infrastructure operational, and residents safe. |
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