Minneapolis residents were spared the hassle of moving their cars for plows today, as city officials decided against declaring a snow emergency— despite the overnight dump of wet snow that has City crews scrambling to clear major arteries and deal with treacherous spots, the City of Minneapolis announced yesterday.

Forecasts of rain and milder temperatures have the City betting that the white stuff won't be sticking around long enough to warrant the extreme measure, however, normal parking rules are still in effect. In a push to keep the roads safe and passable, the plow teams are avoiding the creation of snow ridges, and ruts, that could later freeze into formidable obstacles for residents' driveways and parked vehicles, where streets are free of cars, crews are plowing curb to curb.

In the spirit of community and shared burden, the City is calling on folks to lend a hand to neighbors who might find themselves bested by the weight of the snow—and they're advising everyone to give themselves a breather now and then, shovel with care, and clear the way for storm drains and garbage carts alike.

Concerned citizens, elbow-deep in slushy woes, have been directed to report poor conditions on streets and sidewalks either through a call to 311 or by using the city's 311 smartphone app. Additionally, the City is urging locals to duck travel plans, if they can manage, until the roads are ripe for safer trips.

For the full scoop on the snow-clearing situation, readers can visit the City's official announcement here.