Cincinnati prepared for significant snowfall

Contributed

CINCINNATI – The Department of Public Services (DPS) crews are ready to respond to the significant snowfall that will hit the Cincinnati area overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning. According to the National Weather Services, a total snow accumulation of 3-5 inches is possible. Heavy snow rates are expected to have major impacts on the Wednesday morning commute. 

In response to the forecast, DPS crews have been inspecting and calibrating equipment, reloading the salt domes, and examining snow routes. DPS crews will begin reporting at 7 pm Tuesday evening to pretreat roads and will continue to work 12-hour shifts until further notice.

During active snowfall, crews top focus is to keep priority 1 routes passable. However, the projected rate of snowfall will be difficult to keep passable. We invite our community to do their part by staying home and limiting travel to give the plows space to do their work. 

Once active snowfall ends, we will shift to clearing operations that will work through the priority routes with the goal of all streets passable within 24 hours. 

Residents are able to track real-time winter operations data via the City of Cincinnati’s CincyInsights Snow Plow Tracker. Residents may report urgent matters and customer service requests to the City via 311 or by utilizing the 311Cincy mobile app.

Helpful Reminders to Drivers:

• Give Crews Space to Work. Please provide ample space between vehicles and crews, allowing them to do their job.
• Utilize Off-Street Parking. Parked vehicles along roadways are a major deterrent for crews when clearing snow and ice.
• Keep an Emergency Kit Ready. Pack an emergency vehicle kit, including a blanket, socks, cell phone, batteries, flashlights, and snacks while driving in winter conditions. It’s always better to be overly prepared while traveling in uncertain weather.
• Extend Caution While Traveling. Even at temperatures above freezing, if weather conditions are wet, you might encounter ice on exposed roadways like bridges, underpasses or hills. Allow more room to brake, when traveling during the winter season.
• Slow Down!