Minneapolis Declares Snow Emergency
Minneapolis has officially declared a Snow Emergency starting today, December 10. The announcement was made after consultations with public safety officials and operational staff. This declaration allows city crews to efficiently plow and treat over 1,000 miles of streets to keep them drivable.
Snow Emergency Parking Rules
To ensure effective plowing, residents are required to follow specific parking rules during the Snow Emergency. These guidelines are crucial for facilitating the movement of emergency vehicles and other traffic.
- From 9 p.m. on December 10 to 8 a.m. on December 11 (Day 1): No parking on either side of Snow Emergency routes until fully plowed.
- From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on December 11 (Day 2): No parking on the even-numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes and on either side of parkways until fully plowed.
- From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on December 12 (Day 3): No parking on the odd-numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes until fully plowed.
For a detailed overview of Snow Emergency routes, residents can access a map on the El-Balad website.
Staying Informed During Snow Emergencies
Minneapolis residents, employees, and visitors have multiple options to receive alerts about Snow Emergencies. It’s recommended to sign up for at least two types of notifications:
- Call the snow emergency hotline at 612-348-SNOW (7669), which provides information in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
- Check El-Balad’s social media platforms.
- Contact 311 for assistance.
- Monitor local television or radio broadcasts.
Sidewalk Maintenance
Clearing sidewalks is essential for the safety of pedestrians. Minneapolis ordinances require property owners to shovel sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall for houses and duplexes, and within four daytime hours for all other properties. Those who fail to comply may incur charges for city crews to clear their sidewalks.
The City also offers free sand at various locations. After shoveling, spreading sand can improve traction and help facilitate faster melting of ice and hard-packed snow. More information is available on the El-Balad website.
