Heavy Lake Effect, High Wind: Mayor Walsh Issues Snow Safety Alert

Published on February 28, 2024

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has issued a snow safety alert with heavy lake effect and high winds expected in Syracuse, providing key reminders about plowing, sidewalk snow removal and traffic safety. A National Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until Thursday, Feb 29 at 7 p.m.

“Syracuse is well-acquainted with winter's challenges, and as the forecast predicts substantial snowfall, high winds, and flash freezing, we encourage residents to exercise caution during their commutes. Residents are urged to adhere to parking regulations to assist our plows in efficiently clearing the city roads, especially with the anticipated heavy snowfall starting this evening,” said Mayor Walsh.

The City’s Snow Safety Alert advises drivers to be prepared for hazardous road conditions; reminds residents to obey odd-even parking regulations; and urges property owners to clear their sidewalks and around fire hydrants. Information on snow safety in the City of Syracuse is available at syr.gov/winter. Residents are encouraged to use the City’s live Snow Plow Map on the Snow Safety page and follow @SYRCityline on social media to gauge real-time road conditions throughout the event to make informed decisions before venturing into snowy conditions.

What Residents Should Do
Property owners should clear snow from sidewalks on their properties and around fire hydrants. Keeping sidewalks as clear as possible during and after the storm helps to keep pedestrians from walking in roads with vehicle traffic. The Syracuse Fire Department asks residents to clear a three-foot area around and a path to fire hydrants near their property. The City will continue the Sidewalk Snow Removal program this year. Residents can view and download the map of sidewalks that will be cleared by the City in the Sidewalk Snow Removal section of the Snow Safety page. Even in these areas, residents are still responsible for keeping their sidewalks clear.

Residents should observe alternate side parking rules and park cars off-street whenever possible. DPW plows need to be able to access streets to clear them. Syracuse Police will be ticketing and towing vehicles that are illegally parked.

The City has identified priority streets for focused parking enforcement during snow events. These streets were selected using data including the percentage of multi-family dwellings, the street width, and other elements contributing to increases in on-street parking. The list also includes known problem points for plow drivers.

Residents are advised that seasonal odd-even parking restrictions will be enforced on certain downtown blocks as well. The City has posted signage marking the parking changes and listing the hours for alternate parking. Restrictions are in place in the following areas:

100 & 200 blocks Erie Blvd. E.

100 & 200 blocks E. Water St.

100 & 200 blocks S. Warren St.

300 & 400 blocks S. Warren St.

300 block of Montgomery St.

100 & 200 blocks Madison St.

100 & 200 blocks E. Jefferson St.100 block W. Jefferson St.

Registered vehicle owners found in violation of the restrictions will be subject to ticketing and towing. For more information on downtown parking options, including options for overnight parking, please see the Downtown Parking brochure or contact the Downtown Committee at (315) 422-8284 or mail@downtownsyracuse.com.

City residents with further questions or snow related concerns and requests can submit requests to Cityline using the SYRCityline app or by calling 315-448-CITY (2489). Residents can also follow @SYRCityline on social media for updates. For all emergencies, the public should call 9-1-1.