Weather Responses

The Transportation Department works to keep streets passable during winter weather. The department begins preparing early for the snow season by getting snow equipment ready, stockpiling supplies and training staff for emergency responses.

More information is available on the city's Snow and Ice webpage.

During a snowstorm, city crews work around the clock to plow streets. Designated priority streets are cleared first to accommodate fire, medical and police response, transit, school buses and commuter traffic. If snowfall is continuous, priority streets may require repeated plowing and sanding. Once main roadways are passable, crews work to clear neighborhood streets.

Prior to a predicted event, crews sometimes treat roadways with a calcium chloride product that helps prevent ice and snow from adhering to the pavement.

To report hazardous road conditions, call Operations and Maintenance at 425-452-7840.