Live updates as blizzard brings snow to Philadelphia region, prompts travel restrictions – CBS News

Cleanup efforts continued across Philadelphia Monday night after an overnight snowstorm blanketed the region, with city crews hauling away heavy snow while residents dug out cars and sidewalks.

In the Spring Garden neighborhood, residents praised the city’s fast work with a lifting and loading operation, shoveling snow into dump trucks with heavy machinery.

“They’re cleaning up the sides very well, they’re attacking it right on,” said Hector Garcia, who lives nearby.

Earlier in the day, many major roads across the city were already passable, a noticeable improvement compared to a previous storm a few weeks ago that left behind sheets of ice.

“Much better this time. Roads are clear within a couple of hours. Last time, I think it was almost impossible,” said Clay Basalyga, who lives in Manayunk.

While driving conditions improved, clearing vehicles from parking spots remained a challenge for many.

“We’re pretty sure that we’re going to have school tomorrow, so we have to clear our cars off so we’re not in the morning having to deal with shoveling in my jeans or whatever,” said Lindsay Bieler, a student at Saint Joseph’s University.

As the day went on, some residents shifted from shoveling to sledding.

In Fairmount, a hill across from the Philadelphia Museum of Art drew families and groups of friends eager to take advantage of the fresh snow.

“We’re just having a good time,” Collin Marrs said.

“It’s always best to stay ahead of it”

The dig-out also continued in South Jersey Monday night.

Snow blowers, snowplows and shovels were a constant sight.

Many rushed to clear the snow before the refreeze Tuesday morning.

The snow was wet and heavy, weighing down branches and trees.

One tree fell in the Kings Grant community on Summit Court in Marlton. People who live nearby said they didn’t hear it. They lost power for a few hours and bundled up to stay warm.

“I hope my food in the refrigerator is still good. I hope stuff in the freezer is still good. I am still freezing. It’s a bit cold, but we still survived,” Joshua Maddux, of Marlton, said.

Meanwhile, mounds of snow were getting higher and higher along the streets, sidewalks and parking lots.

The fresh snow from the blizzard was plowed on top of old piles.

“It’s always best to stay ahead of it. If you let it freeze, you are going to have a nightmare on your hands,” Maddux said.

CBS News Philadelphia met the Quicksill sisters, who came to Wegmans in Cherry Hill to get a sweet treat this snow day. They said their dad helped them dig out.

“He has his own personal plow, and he doesn’t like how everyone else plows in our town, so he does it himself,” Kasey Quicksill said. 

“He was calling the town and said, ‘You missed a spot,'” Hailey Quicksill joked.