News Release -- Forecasted Snowfall May Impact Morning Commute

City of Rochester 

News Release

 

 (Thursday, March 1, 2018) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren is urging motorists to use extra caution and allow for extra time during the morning commute tomorrow, Friday, March 2.

A winter storm warning has been issued for all of Western New York for this evening through Friday. According to the National Weather Service, falling temperatures this evening will change any rainfall into snow making roads slick.

Heavy, wet snow will begin to accumulate tonight through Friday, covering roads and making travel hazardous, especially on untreated roads. A slow commute is expected Friday morning so motorists should allow extra time to reach their destination. Snowfall accumulation of 8 to 12 inches is forecasted in the city, with up to 14 inches in surrounding areas, creating difficult travel conditions and a slow Friday morning commute.

The City’s Department of Environmental Services will be working around the clock, salting and clearing the roads. For real-time updates on their progress, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/plowtrax.

The National Weather Service also warns that gusty winds and wet, heavy snow may cause tree branches to fall, possibly resulting in power outages. Please report any downed power lines to RG&E by calling 1-800-743-1701. For more information visit www.rge.com.

It is critical that motorists abide by alternate side parking restrictions in the city this evening so that overnight snowfall can be cleared. Just one car left on the wrong side of the street can prevent an entire street from being properly plowed.

 

Residents are reminded of the following: 

 

WEATHER UPDATES: 

Snow removal and 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!

 

WHO TO CALL:

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.