News Release - Please Be Advised

City of Rochester 

News Release

 (Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren is asking motorists to use extra caution during the morning commute tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 7.

A winter storm warning will be in effect from 4 a.m., Wednesday to 4 a.m., Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 10 inches are expected.

“It is challenging to plow roads in heavy commuter traffic,” Mayor Warren said. “I ask all of our motorists to be patient and give themselves plenty of time to get where they need to go. As always, I would like to thank our snow plow operators, who work tirelessly during winter weather to keep our roads open and families safe.”

Residents are reminded of the following: 

PLOWTRAX: Citizens can track snow plow progress in real time at www.cityofrochester.gov/plowtrax.

WEATHER UPDATES: Weather related updates from the City will be posted on the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

KEEP PETS SAFE: The temperatures are too cold for even the furriest four-legged family members -- Please bring pets inside!

ROAD CONDITIONS: In weather this cold, salt becomes less effective. Motorists should pay special attention to road and weather conditions.

DON’T CROWD THE PLOW: If you are out on the roads, please give our snow plows plenty of space.

FIRE HAZARDS: Residents should be mindful of fire hazards while heating their homes, and if they smell gas they should immediately leave the building and call 911. Space heaters should be placed at least 3 feet away from flammable objects. Do not use your stove or oven to heat your home.

WHO TO CALL: City 911 and 311 call centers see a high call volume during weather events. To avoid phone lines being overwhelmed, citizens are reminded of the following:

Call 911 only if you are in need of police, fire or ambulance services.

Call 311 if you have questions about City services. 311 cannot tell callers when their street will be plowed or submit requests for services not offered by the City, such as shoveling driveways after a plow run.

SNOW REMOVAL: Citizens are reminded that it is their obligation to keep sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses clear. For citizens with disabilities, just one inch of snow on the sidewalk can drastically impede movement. They are also asked to keep fire hydrants clear.

Citizens are reminded that it is illegal to shovel or plow snow into the street or public right of way, and may be ticketed.

The city’s snow removal policies can be found at www.cityofrochester.gov/rocsnow.