Mayor Michael Nutter declared a “snow emergency” at about 3 p.m. today, meaning parked vehicles must be moved off “snow emergency routes” as soon as possible so they can be plowed.

Several major streets in West Philly will be affected, including Chestnut Street, Walnut Street and Woodland Avenue. If your vehicle remains on one of these streets it will be ticketed and towed. If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW to find out where they took it. If you have to move your car, city officials are asking you to move it as far from a corner as possible to allow the plows room to turn.

So far most bus, train and trolley routes are still running, but may have delays. Go to SEPTA.ORG for info. Also, public and parochial schools are closed tomorrow.

See the full list of snow emergency routes citywide here.

In West Philly, snow emergency routes include:

• Chestnut Street from Cobbs Creek Parkway to 20th Street
• Walnut Street from Broad Street to Cobbs Creek Parkway
• Woodland Avenue from Cobbs Creek Parkway to University Avenue
• 34th Street from University Avenue to Grays Ferry Avenue
• 38th Street from Walnut to University Avenue
• 63rd Street from City Avenue to Walnut Street
• University Avenue from 38th Street to 34th Street
• Island Avenue from Woodland Avenue to Enterprise Avenue
• Cobbs Creek Parkway from Walnut Street to Woodland Avenue
• Schuylkill Avenue from Market Street to Walnut Street

Today’s snowstorm has disrupted plans for many residents and some organizations and businesses in our area. West Philly Local already reported about public school closings announced by the School District of Philadelphia. As of 11 a.m. the somewhat heavy snow turned into light and it looks like we have avoided the mayhem this time. We haven’t heard of any business closings in the area, except for Firehouse Bicycles and Wolf Cycles (Facebook page). Libraries are open, too, and invite folks to stop by and bring their kids. If you hear of any other closings, please post them in the comments.

Erica Maust, Program and Communications Coordinator of The Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion, has sent a note that due to the snow, the gates to The Woodlands grounds will be open to pedestrians only today until 5 p.m. No vehicular traffic will be permitted through the gates to ensure the safety of visitors, monuments, and the site. The Woodlands welcomes visitors on foot to enjoy the snow and the beautiful views (see photo below, courtesy of The Woodlands).

Many West Philly residents, especially kids, have been enjoying the first snow this season. Some residents are not very happy though, especially car owners. Prepare for more snow tomorrow – it can start falling as early as 7 a.m. and may be “unpredictable,” according to authorities. (Photos by Annamarya Scaccia).

While many of us were slogging through the snow a lot of folks were over at Clark Park having fun. If you know people in the pictures, leave a comment below. We’re trying to put names to faces. Send us your storm photos and we’ll try to get them up on the site – editor – at – westphillylocal.com .

– Mike

As you may know – and I  sympathize if you do because I’m writing this from a neighborhood cafe – power is out for many in West Philadelphia. PECO doesn’t have a grasp on exactly how many are without power in the neighborhood yet. The outages seem to be on the south side of Spruce around 45th Street. According to the PECO hotline, power will be restored by 12:40 p.m.

Here are the PECO numbers:

1-800-841-4141. The PSE&G notification line is 1-800-436-7734.