News Flash

Mayor O’Connor has declared a SNOW EMERGENCY in The City of Frederick in anticipation of forecasted winter weather. The emergency will go into effect at 10PM tonight, Wednesday, February 17, 2021. 

The City’s priority during a snow event is to ensure the clearing and maintenance of all Snow Emergency Routes.  These routes will be cleared first and continually maintained until snowfall slows. Secondary and neighborhood roads will be addressed at that time. Please view additional reminders and conditions of the snow emergency plan below. 

DON'T GET TOWED: PARKING OPTIONS DURING THE STORM

• Vehicles must be removed from designated Snow Emergency Routes by 8PM Wed, 2/17/2021. Restricted parking designations on snow emergency routes will be enforced. The restricted parking areas assure citizens and the Department of Public Works plow teams that the designated areas will be open and available for use to push and/or haul snow from streets if the need arises. Parking in a restricted parking area on a snow emergency route during a snow emergency will result in being towed at the owner's expense.
• The Downtown City Parking Garages will be open for free off-street parking starting at 8PM Wed, 2/17/2021 .  Downtown residents without off-street parking are encouraged to move vehicles to one of the five public parking garages for the duration of the winter storm. All vehicles parked in a garage must be moved by Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 8AM to avoid paying a parking fee.
• Street maintenance (i.e. street sweeping) has been suspended through Sunday evening, February 21st to allow for additional street parking. Those who need to move their cars off of snow emergency routes can move their cars temporarily to streets with posted street maintenance signage. 

REMAIN INFORMED

To remain informed during this snow emergency, the City encourages the following: 

• Sign up through the Frederick County Emergency Notification system: FrederickCountyMD.gov/ALERT. 
• Use the City's iSpires phone app or go to frederickmd.gov/snowapp to see what streets have been plowed/cleared. You may also call 301-600-SNOW. 
• Follow the City’s social media channels (especially Facebook, Twitter, and NextDoor)
• For major road conditions, call 511, monitor your local media outlets or go to roads.maryland.gov.

PRIVATE PROPERTY REMINDERS

• In the case of extremely heavy snowfalls, private driveways may be plowed in.   Vehicles that remain on the street will have large amounts of snow piled around them.  Snowplows will come through each street multiple times; it is advised that residents wait until the snowfall ends before clearing driveway openings and curb cuts.
• Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalks around their property within 12 hours after snow stops falling. A person owning or occupying a lot or part of a lot abutting a City sidewalk must remove the snow and ice and clear a path 4 feet wide or the entire width of the sidewalk, whichever is less. If a property owner fails to comply, a fine not exceeding $100 may be issued and the snow removed by the city with the resultant costs assessed to the property owner. 
• Be aware and alert for possible downed trees and power lines due to the heavy snow.   Do not attempt to cross over or under downed lines. 
  1. Report downed and low hanging power lines by calling 1-800-686-0011   
  2. Report downed trees or other NON-EMERGENCIES by calling 301-600-1440

The City of Frederick thanks residents for their patience during this weather event as the City remains committed to COVID-19 precautions and safety measures. Please stay safe.