Snow cleanup continues after winter storm slams Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Residents across Philadelphia spent the day shoveling out after a major winter storm left cars buried under deep snow and ice.
Rebecca Nielson was among those trying to clear multiple vehicles.
"I don't know how we're going to do it," she said while working to dig out three family cars. "I'm hoping like another hour to get my husband out. And then my daughter doesn't have to go to school tomorrow, so I'm debating whether or not that's a tomorrow job."
From Chopper 6, long stretches of neighborhoods - from Manayunk to Germantown to Mt. Airy - showed the same scene: people working to free their cars as others offered help.
One group took the opportunity to earn some money by shoveling for neighbors.
"A lot of people are doing it by themselves. When we see people working, they be needing the help," said Fairmount resident Jahiem Bull.
The city continues its race against the clock to clear as much snow as possible before temperatures dip even lower. A new piece of equipment - an industrial-sized snow melter - is helping to speed up those efforts. Officials say the Streets Department has melted nearly 900 tons of snow in 10 hours.
In West Mt. Airy, Rachel Coats was determined to manage on her own.
"I try to drive out. And I don't get anywhere. So then I curse and start shoveling, and try to drive some more," she said.
Not everyone chose to spend the day digging. Some residents were simply hoping Monday would bring a chance to stay home.
"Hopefully, I'll be working from home tomorrow," said Amy Cohen of West Mt. Airy. "I'm a Philadelphia district teacher, and the buses can't run in the snow."
The snow emergency in Philadelphia will be lifted at 6 a.m. Tuesday, but city offices and courts will still be closed, according to city officials.
WATCH: Philadelphia officials provide update on storm response
