Lighter snowfall meant easier commute through Center City
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Some workers and commuters found easy travel through Center City Philadelphia on Tuesday following a lighter-than-expected snowfall.
Because of the lighter snowfall, the City of Philadelphia has lifted the snow emergency that was declared on Monday.
The storm that shut down New York and much of New England on Monday and Tuesday shifted east, sparing Philadelphia and its suburbs from a crippling blow.
"It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I'm still an hour early. Buses weren't so bad, they were an hour late," said Raymond Butler of North Philadelphia. "Not bad at all."
Snow did indeed fall overnight. It looked impressive but, in the end it didn't amount to much in Center City.
Crews made short work of it by sweeping, salting it, and even blasting it with a torch.
"I thought there was going to be a lot more snow, I thought it was going to be crazy, but I looked out and it didn't look too bad," said Taylor Stringer of Center City. "So, I knew I had to go to work. No day off for me."
With many city workers told to stay home traffic was light, but others did head to work. Nurse Sarah Shumsky had an easy walk to Hahnemann Hospital.
"I feel bad for those who spent the night there last night thinking there was going to be a ton of snow," she said.
By early morning, SEPTA began lifting it precautionary bus detours, but the transit system was not without some hiccups.
Damon Collins was waiting by the rails.
"They are running on a Saturday schedule now. I was supposed to catch a 6:38, but it is running about 7:16 now," he said.
All public and Catholic schools and city offices in Philadelphia remained closed, nonessential state workers in the city were told to come into work two hours late and regional commuter rail were operating on a Saturday schedule.
More than 80 percent of flights in and out of Philadelphia International Airport were canceled Tuesday. Stranded passengers were given cots, pillows, blankets, bottled water and snacks.
