Philadelphians Lend a Hand After Snowstorm

Neighbors and city crews work together to clear lingering ice and snow more than a week after major storm.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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More than a week after a major snowstorm hit Philadelphia, some residents say lingering ice and snow are still causing problems in their neighborhoods. While city crews have responded in some areas, neighbors have also stepped in to help each other, with one resident using a jackhammer to clear thick ice from driveways and sidewalks.

Why it matters

The lingering effects of the snowstorm highlight the challenges Philadelphia residents face in recovering from major weather events, and the importance of community support and cooperation between residents and city services.

The details

In the Juniata section of the city, residents along East Wingohocking Street said water runoff from a clogged sewer pipe repeatedly froze during frigid temperatures, creating thick layers of ice across driveways and sidewalks. Tamika Shipman posted videos of the conditions on Facebook, asking for help. When a CBS News Philadelphia crew arrived, a good Samaritan had already spent hours jackhammering the ice by hand. Elsewhere in the city, in South Philadelphia, heavy machinery was used to lift and haul away large piles of snow along South Broad Street.

  • The major snowstorm swept through Philadelphia more than 9 days ago.
  • Temperatures have remained below freezing, allowing the ice to build up.

The players

Tamika Shipman

A resident of the Juniata section of Philadelphia who posted videos of the icy conditions on Facebook and contacted CBS News Philadelphia.

Shannon Jessie

A resident who lives next door to Tamika Shipman and witnessed a good Samaritan jackhammering the ice.

Kevin Dillon

A resident of South Philadelphia who was impressed by the city's response to clear large piles of snow along South Broad Street.

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What they’re saying

“We were just stuck and running out of options.”

— Tamika Shipman (CBS News Philadelphia)

“[He] saw us over here trying to get this snow up and knew we needed a jackhammer. He went all the way home, got a jackhammer from his house, and jackhammered all of the ice up.”

— Shannon Jessie, Resident (CBS News Philadelphia)

“They said they were going to do it — and they did.”

— Kevin Dillon, Resident (CBS News Philadelphia)

What’s next

City crews are expected to continue their efforts to clear snow and ice from Philadelphia's streets and sidewalks in the coming days.

The takeaway

The lingering effects of the snowstorm in Philadelphia highlight the importance of community support and cooperation between residents and city services in recovering from major weather events. Neighbors helping neighbors, and a responsive city government, can make a significant difference in getting a city back on its feet after a major storm.