There is currently no Snow Emergency in effect.

When a Snow Emergency is declared, residents are asked to follow specific parking guidelines to allow for efficient snow removal operations. Vehicles in violation of parking restrictions will be ticketed and towed.

Saint Paul to Plow and Salt Residential Streets Today 2/15/24

City of Saint Paul has not declared a Snow Emergency

The City of Saint Paul has not declared a Snow Emergency. Since it began snowing on Wednesday, Public Works crews have been plowing and salting the drive lanes on arterial and collector streets throughout the city. Starting at 10:30 a.m. today, crews are doing “center cuts” and salting residential streets where needed. 

Center cuts are a snow plowing technique in which crews only plow in the center drive lanes between parked cars. This allows people to drive more easily on residential streets to access the main arterial streets. Residents can expect snow and minor windrows in and along the parking lanes of residential streets. 

“Last winter we heard from residents they would like us plowing residential streets sooner so they can get more easily in and out of their neighborhoods,” said Sean Kershaw, Director of Saint Paul Public Works. “By not declaring a Snow Emergency, we are plowing residential streets a day earlier and are able to leverage the warmer pavement conditions, sun, and warmer temperatures forecast for later this week to address snow compaction in the drive lanes.” 

“This unusual winter demands an approach that differs from our usual snow emergency operations," said Mayor Carter. "We'll clear residential streets a day earlier and crews will ensure all our streets safe and passable.” 

In preparation for yesterday’s storm which brought approximately six inches of snow accumulation, Saint Paul Public Works closely monitored weather and road conditions. Crews pretreated arterial streets with brine and plowed arterial streets overnight and throughout the morning.  

The city has adjusted its staffing model and operations for this snow event, which includes bringing in additional staff and transitioning crews to plowing and salting residential streets starting at 10:30 a.m. today. The City of Saint Paul does not typically salt residential streets; however, Public Works will use a minimal amount of salt products to help melt and address ice and snow compaction in the drive lanes on residential streets. 

Crews will continue to plow center cuts and salt residential streets this afternoon, overnight, and tomorrow. Because this is not a Snow Emergency residents will not be ticketed and towed. If people are able to move vehicles off streets, it is appreciated by the plow drivers, and they will attempt to clear snow to the curb where possible. 

Shovel your sidewalk, do not put carts on the street, and clear hydrants and storm drains

  • Shovel your sidewalk. Saint Paul City Ordinance requires snow and ice to be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours. Corner property owners should shovel curbs, walkways and crosswalks to the street.
  • Do not push snow out into the streets.
  • Do not place recycling and garbage carts in the street. Carts should ONLY be kept in the boulevard or at the end of the driveway.
  • If you are able, please shovel hydrants out and clear snow and ice off storm drains to prevent street flooding.
  • NEW THIS YEAR: Free off-street parking is available during the first 24 hours of a declared Snow Emergency (Night and Day Plow Phases) from 5 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Block 19 Ramp (145 E 7th Street) located at Jackson and 7th Street in downtown Saint Paul.
  • Ramsey County offers free Warming Shelters and transportation from select locations. More information can be found at www.ramseycounty.us/warmingspaces

Stay Informed of Snow Emergencies

Sign up to receive Saint Paul Snow Emergency text or email alerts (available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali).

Follow updates on social media or call 651-266-PLOW for recorded status messages.

Snow

Snow Emergency Parking Map

Check out when and where you should park your car during a Snow Emergency.

Downtown streets are all Night Plow Routes. Do not park on downtown streets after 9 p.m. on the first night of when a Snow Emergency is declared.

Snow Emergency Parking Map

Download the Snow Emergency Brochure (PDF)

The Snow Emergency brochure is also available in 7 different languages.

This brochure is a PDF, if you would like copies mailed to you, please email publicworksinfo@stpaul.gov.

Download the brochure

Last Edited: February 15, 2024