City of Toledo Prepares for Major Snowfall

With a large accumulation of snow in the forecast, the city of Toledo has begun preparations for the storm, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said today.

City of Toledo crews will continue to work around the clock until all roads have been cleared. Sixty Streets, Bridges, and Harbor employees, operating a fleet of 60 plows, will be clearing and treating roads and bridges during the snow storm. Another several dozen city employees could be called in to help clear streets downtown and in residential neighborhoods. The city clears 33 “Phase 1” (main roadway) routes. Private contractors have been put on notice that they may be hired to clear residential streets in the city.

Crews will work around the clock until streets are clear, Mayor Kapszukiewicz said.

The mayor and Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp discussed the city’s snow storm preparation and county emergency level expectations during a news conference today that was streamed live in two parts, here and here. An explanation of snow emergency levels can be found at: http://co.lucas.oh.us/533/Snow-Emergency-Levels.

Residents and business owners are reminded that they are responsible for maintaining sidewalks in a manner that makes it safe for pedestrians. Snow removal companies and property owners are prohibited from putting snow from their property onto public roadways.

At times, during a snow emergency, the Toledo public safety director may implement a parking ban upon such streets that are on the posted, Toledo Area Transit Authority bus routes/snow emergency routes. Snow emergency routes are listed here.

If a Level Three Snow Emergency is ever issued before 8 a.m., the city’s Public Utilities Customer Call Center will be closed. The Engage Toledo Call Center, 419-936-2020, will remain open 24 hours a day, even during a Level Three Snow Emergency. The center places an emphasis on taking calls related to water emergencies, such as water main breaks and other critical issues.

Mayor Kapszukiewicz encouraged Toledoans to sign up for Toledo Alerts to receive city of Toledo and Lucas County emergency alerts. In the event of a snow emergency, an alert may be sent to the phone number and email address you provide. Sign up at: http://bit.ly/2hiI1oN.