City Prepares for Snow Forecasted for February 14, 2024

City crews are preparing for tomorrow’s winter storm which is expected to bring significant snowfall.

 Consider postponing non-essential travel during stormy conditions with low visibility. Motorists, please allow extra time for the commute, slow down, and prepare for winter driving conditions. Park off-street to allow crews to maneuver equipment and clear snow as efficiently as possible. If you live downtown and there's off-street parking available in your neighborhood, please consider parking there.

 City crews work around the clock on roads and designated sidewalks during and after a snowstorm. You can help our crews do their job safely and effectively by doing your part and keeping your distance when you see plows or other City vehicles on the roadway.

Be Prepared

Residents should always prepare to be on their own for up to 72 hours during adverse weather events.

The following are some tips to help you prepare in advance:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and alerts from reliable news sources.
• Emergency Kit: Create an emergency kit to have on hand that includes essential items such as non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, important documents, and any special items for children or pets.
• Stay Charged: Keep your cell phones, portable chargers, and other electronic devices fully charged. Consider getting a solar charger or a hand-crank charger for emergencies.
• Backup Lighting/Power:  If you lose power, use flashlights rather than candles and have a good supply of batteries. If you use candles, don't leave them unattended. If you have a generator, fuel and test to ensure it is available if needed. Ensure an adequate supply of fuel is on hand.
• Home Essentials: Stock up on essential supplies like bottled water, food, blankets, and warm clothing. Ensure you have enough for each family member and pets for several days.

24-Hour Parking Ban

When the 24-hour parking ban is in effect, you cannot park on the street outside the designated downtown area. Vehicles parked on city streets outside downtown may be ticketed and/or towed.

We will publish news articles when the restriction is announced. You can receive emails stating when the parking restriction will come into effect, and when it will be lifted, by subscribing to the '24 Hour Parking Ban' category, under the news section.

The purpose of the ban is to keep roads free of parked vehicles so that crews can quickly and safely clear snow.

Service levels

For snowfall up to 25 cm, streets will be cleared within 24 hours following the storm. For snowfall exceeding 25 cm, timelines will increase.

Learn more about our snow clearing service levels.

Please DO NOT place snow onto a road or sidewalk when shoveling.

When snow is put back in the road or sidewalk, crews are then required to return multiple times, and this reduces our efficiency throughout the city and delays service to other areas. It also creates a hazard for pedestrians and motorists.

Sidewalk route

We have 175 km of sidewalks prioritized for snow clearing and ice control, with routes and priorities outlined on this map.

Depending on the amount and type of snow on the ground, most streets in the sidewalk program will be cleared within five days from the end of a winter event. This timeline may be extended if there is additional snowfall or icing during this period.

Please DO NOT pile snow on the sidewalk, this will make it very difficult, and sometimes impossible, for our sidewalk plows to clear. It also delays service in other areas.

Private snow clearing operators

Private contractors clearing snow for businesses throughout the city are asked to stay within the boundaries of the area that they are clearing.

When private contractors place snow on public spaces such as sidewalks and city streets, this creates issues for everyone in the community. If you see a private operator placing snow in a public space such as a sidewalk or public road, please report the details to Access St. John’s so this can be investigated.

Access St. John’s is available 24/7 via phone 754-CITY, 311, email access@stjohns.ca or via the app in your app store.

Learn more and stay informed

Track our snowplows and heavy equipment on this map.

Follow the @CityofStJohns on Twitter for updates on City snow clearing operations, service interruptions, and other city news.

If you park on the street downtown, sign up for snow removal emails.

If you park on the street outside of the downtown, sign up to receive an email when the

24-Hour Parking Ban is in effect, and when it is lifted.

Visit StJohns.ca/snow for further information about snow clearing in the City of St. John’s.