Philadelphia braces for major winter storm

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's the calm before the storm in Philadelphia on Thursday night.

Everyone is busy preparing for what's to come, making sure they're ready.

LIVE UPDATES: Snowstorm set to hit the Philadelphia region this weekend

The city presents some unique challenges in a snowstorm, with narrow streets lined with cars.

"You don't go anywhere, and you hope it works out in terms of the plows and the salt and everything," said Kevin Beyer of South Philadelphia.

At this point, there are no restrictions in place, but as soon as city officials declare an emergency, everything changes.

The major roads that are designated snow routes will restrict parking so plows can get through. When restrictions take effect, the city will open parking garages so people can park for $5.

"So folks have a safe, dry place to put their vehicle because on-street parking is tough normally. And then, when there is a snow emergency, several inches of snow make it even harder," said PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer.

What to know about snow routes

There are 110 miles of snow emergency routes in Philadelphia. Snow emergency routes are marked with large red signs reading "Snow Emergency Route" in white letters.

Car owners must move their vehicles along these routes once a snow emergency is declared. Your car could be ticketed or towed if you don't move it.

If your vehicle has been towed from a snow emergency route, call (215) 686-SNOW (7669) and press option four. Do not call 911.

Be prepared to provide information that will help identify your vehicle.

Click here to view a full list of snow emergency routes.

Meter parking will also be relaxed during a snow emergency. Officials will only enforce safety violations.

When it comes to school, the superintendent stopped short of saying they will be closed on Monday, but it's a strong possibility.

"Should the weather require schools being closed, we strongly believe that the first school closure should always be a snow day. We want kids to get out and play in the snow and make their snow angels, and do the same things you and I used to do," said Superintendent Tony Watlington.

That decision should come sometime this weekend, as the storm's impact becomes clear.