What does Snow Emergency mean in Minneapolis and in USA?
Minneapolis, in order to keep the streets clean of snow the city has special parking rules that go into effect during a Snow Emergency. Here’s what to know…
Minneapolis gets roughly a little more than 4 and a half feet of snow on average each year. Anyone who has ever lived there or visited the City of the Lakes knows that it can get a bit cold during the winter months, so that lovely white stuff isn’t going anywhere without a little help.
After a heavy snowfall, Minneapolis may declare a Snow Emergency. This puts into effect special on-street parking rules for three days. But special restrictions aren’t limited to being enacted only if there is a formal Snow Emergency. Here’s a look at what you should know, and tell any visitors about, to avoid getting a ticket and having your car towed.
Special winter parking rules in Minneapolis
The City of Minneapolis puts in place Winter Parking Restrictions when too much snow builds up along the streets impeding the ability of emergency vehicles and other traffic to get through. While the city says “if” it is more a matter of when, but the standard restrictions end 1 April, that doesn’t mean there might not be the need for a Snow Emergency after that date.
The restrictions for a Snow Emergency take precedence over the regular Winter Parking Restrictions. You can find out about both through the city’s various channels for communicating them to the public. Authorities advise those who live, work or travel in Minneapolis to sign up to receive alerts through more than one channel. As well you should keep an eye on the winter weather in the area.
Under the standard restrictions cars can be parked on both sides of parkways, where allowed, and Snow Emergency Routes. But you can only park on the odd side of non- Snow Emergency Routes, these have green and brown street signs.
Snow Emergency Routes are easy to identify, they have blue street signs as well as red and white signs labeling them as such.
The city may put up temporary “No Parking” signs on streets, so pay attention to the signage. The city provides a full list of possible situations that you may encounter when trying to park in the winter.
Snow Emergency parking rules in Minneapolis
When the City of Minneapolis declares a Snow Emergency, it is in effect for three days, each with its own set of restrictions. Besides the set restrictions you’ll want to pay attention to temporary signage that may be put up.
You will need to get your car off the street in the designated areas before the hour set under the Snow Emergency rules. Otherwise you’ll be calling the impound lot to find your car. But the city has made it easier so that you don’t have to wait in line once you get there by entering your car’s information online and paying the fee ahead of time. There is a QR code as well to access the webpage, check below.
DAY 1
Beginning at 9 pm, cars must be removed from both sides of Snow Emergency Routes. Cars may not park there again until after 8 am or the street is fully plowed. Parking is allowed on both sides of non-Snow Emergency Routes where it is not otherwise indicated, but only for Day One of the Snow Emergency.
DAY 2
Starting at 8 am, cars are not allowed to park on the even-numbered side of a non-Snow Emergency Route until 8 pm, or all snow has been cleared on that side of the street. Likewise, cars cannot park on either side of a parkway between from 8 am and 8 pm, or until it is fully plowed.
DAY 3
Again, starting at 8 am, cars are not allowed to park on the odd-numbered side of a non-Snow Emergency Route. The restriction lasts until 8 pm, or all snow has been cleared on that side of the street.
Find more information about Snow Emergency rules in Minneapolis, check the website or call the Snow Emergency Hotline: (612) 348-SNOW (7669).