The City of Minneapolis has issued a Snow Emergency, initiating a multi-day plan to tackle the heavy snowfall obstructing the city's streets, as announced to the public earlier this week. Starting February 8th at 2:30 p.m., Minneapolis residents were notified to adhere to specific parking rules to aid the clearing efforts by city crews who are working tirelessly to treat and plow over 1,000 miles of roadways, ensuring they remain navigable.
In a statement released by the City of Minneapolis, parking restrictions are outlined in detail, "9 p.m. tonight, Feb. 8th to 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 9th (Day 1) Do not park on EITHER side of a Snow Emergency route until 8 a.m., or the street is fully plowed," marking just the beginning of a three-day effort that necessitates resident cooperation. On Day 2, the same rules apply to the EVEN numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes and both sides of parkways until either 8 p.m. or the areas have been plowed, and then on Day 3, it shifts to the ODD numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes until the evening, or as usual, once full plowing is completed.
For convenience and compliance, the city has provided a map pinpointing Snow Emergency routes on its website. Additional avenues to stay informed include text alerts by sending MPLSAlerts to 77295, updates on social media, the snow emergency hotline, which offers guidance in several languages, and the city's 311 services.
Complying with local ordinances is essential, as it’s not just about roadways, but also about maintaining safe and accessible walkways for all Minneapolis residents, the City urges property owners to clear sidewalks within the specified timeframe, 24 hours for residential properties and four hours for others, after snow ceases to fall these efforts ensure that everyone can navigate the city safely without risking slips or falls on uncleared paths. To increase traction and help with ice, free sand is available at several locations–an effort by the City to ensure a mix of safety and smooth reinstatement of regular activities after snow disrupts the rhythms of urban life.
