Public Services Statement Regarding Forecasted Weather
Monday, February 15, 2021
A SNOW EMERGENCY will be in effect for the City of Royal Oak, effective 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for portions of southeast Michigan, including Royal Oak, in effect through noon EST on Tuesday. Scattered daytime snow falls on Monday will be followed by persistent, sometimes heavy snowfalls beginning Monday evening and lasting through Tuesday morning. A total of 6-10” of accumulation is expected.
Crews will first address major streets during and immediately following the snow fall. Once major roadways are cleared, crews will plow all secondary connectors and neighborhood streets – expected to begin early afternoon on Tuesday, starting from the north end and working south.
City ordinance prohibits on-street parking during snow emergencies, except with special permits issued through the Royal Oak Police Department records bureau. Enforcement begins Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 6:01 a.m. Violators may be subject to citation.
Vehicles parked on the street present an impediment for plow operators, requiring them to weave in and out along the curb, creating mounds of snow near the road center. When the obstructing vehicle later moves, the remaining snow can be a hazard to drivers and potentially restrict street drainage. For that reason, it is critical that residents abide by the street parking prohibition.
The Department of Public Services reminds residents that it is impossible to plow streets without snow being deposited in driveway approaches. Parking a vehicle in the street to avoid this deposit of snow is not only against city ordinance and unsafe, but it can result in heavier snow deposits at your neighbor’s drive.
Be a good neighbor and keep vehicles out of the street – your cooperation is appreciated!