City Prepares for Storm

Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 3:33 p.m.

The City of Spokane Streets Department is preparing for the incoming weather forecast that includes heavy snowfall followed by rising temperatures. Crews have been fine-tuning equipment, ensuring materials at satellite locations are topped off and staff are trained for conditions. The community is urged to think ahead and be ready along with our crews.

Here is what you can expect from the City:

  • Weather conditions are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Priorities are arterials, hills, hospitals and school routes. This means that if snow is continuous crews will return to arterials and hills to keep them clear before they move to residential.
  • When the snowfall rate is so high that the City crews cannot effectively plow all major arterial routes, the Snow Corridor Plan is enacted. These are major north/south and east/west routes motorists can depend on within the City boundaries.
  • Materials are located throughout the City for efficiency
  • Snow gates are used to reduce snow berms when possible
  • Crews work to keep snow away from sidewalks when possible

Full-City Plow information:

  • If a Full-City plow is called, it will take about 3 days from the time it is initiated, and snow is forecasted to stop. If snow continues, crews will reroute to priority arterials and routes. Crews work consecutive 12-hour shifts until complete.
  • Know what residential snow-plow route you live in to make it easier to track the progress of plows, during full-city plow operations.
  • Our plow progress map will be activated when a Full-City plow is initiated.

Here’s what the community can do:

  • Parking over the next 72 hours – If you can move vehicles off the street completely, that is best, otherwise, move them to the ODD-numbered side of the street or make alternative parking arrangements in congested neighborhoods.
  • It’s not too late to move your recreational vehicle, boat or trailer, and basketball hoops off the street. This gives plows the maximum amount of space to clear snow for traffic and emergency response vehicles.
  • Make sure you have adequate snow removal equipment. Use salt, sand, or deicer as necessary. Try not to over-spread deicer, only rains down the drains!
  • If you live near a school or school bus stop, help out students and clear paths for them in time for walking before and after school.
  • Talk to your neighbors. Make sure you know who in your neighborhood might need help with shoveling and offer to help. Team up for a plan that spreads the work.
  • Allow for extra time. Set that alarm to give yourself an extra 30+ minutes to get to your destination, especially during high traffic times.
  • Use flexible commute options. Can you work from home or avoid high traffic times? Now is a good time! Ride the bus! There are many STA park and ride lots conveniently located. Learn more at STA’s website.

Be in the Know

Communication channels to receive current information: