Snow emergency declared in Cedar Rapids, more area closures and cancellations

The city of Cedar Rapids has declared a snow emergency for today, Jan. 23, 2019.

According to a news release, the emergency will last until Friday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m.

The Public Works Department had approximately 90 pieces of snow removal equipment out overnight and will continue to plow and treat roads throughout the day and tomorrow to continue addressing accumulations, the release states.

Parking

Cars should not be parked on emergency snow routes, they may be ticketed and towed. These routes are typically main arterials, bus routes, school zones, and areas near hospitals. They are designated with street signage and are prioritized for plows to clear due to their high traffic volumes. A list of Emergency Snow Routes can be found on the city's website.

Starting Wednesday and ending on Friday, residents are asked to follow the 'odd/even parking rule” in residential neighborhoods, according to the release. This applies from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Park on the odd-address side of the street on odd calendar days and park on the even-address side of the street on even calendar days.

For example:

On Wednesday, Jan. 23, residents should park on the odd address side of the street.

On Thursday, Jan. 24, residents should park on the even address side of the street.

On Friday, Jan. 25, residents should park on the odd address side of the street.

This does not apply to emergency snow routes, parking-metered areas, or any street where the alternate side parking rule would conflict with permanently posted parking restrictions.

Snow removal

The release states that residents and businesses should not to push snow from their driveways or parking lots into public streets, as this places an additional burden on City crews trying to clear the roadways, and is against city code.

Prioritization for snow removal includes:

Emergency Snow Routes

Residential side streets

Sidewalks

During the winter months, it is important to maintain clear and safe sidewalks and sidewalk ramps in order to ensure that residents can access their sidewalk, bus stop, or routes to businesses. Property owners and private businesses are responsible for their sidewalk and adjacent sidewalk ramps at intersections. After a storm ends, residents and businesses have 48 hours to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice accumulations. To report a sidewalk concern: 319-286-5897.

Updated Road Conditions

Click here to see current road conditions, updated by the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Click here to see current locations of Iowa DOT snowplows or see images of roads from inside the trucks.

Wednesday snow announcements include:

This list will be updated throughout the day

Closed Schools:

Cedar Rapids Community School District

Iowa City School District

St. Joseph's Catholic School

Iowa City Regina

Parking And Towing:

Iowa City: City crews will tow vehicles to allow plows to clear the entire width of streets beginning at 7 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday. On-street parking will be prohibited in posted areas. Vehicles that are not moved will be towed. Crews will post 'No Parking Due to Maintenance” signs at least 48-hours in advance, beginning Tuesday. For more information, visit icgov.org City ordinance requires vehicles parked on the street to be moved every 48-hours, regardless of snow removal or other work. If your vehicle is towed, call the Parking Division at 319-356-5151 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. After hours call the Iowa City Police Department's routine line at 319-356-5275.

North Liberty: The City of North Liberty will prohibit on-street parking beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The prohibition will expire Thursday at 6 p.m. Off-street parking for those without available garage, driveway or other paved parking space is available at public parking areas, including the North Liberty Community Center, 520 W. Cherry Street. Vehicles in violation of the no-parking order may be ticketed and towed without notice.

CLOSURES:

' Indian Creek Nature Center is closed Wednesday and programs scheduled for the day will not take place.