City preparing for snow event Saturday through Sunday

We are expecting a forecast of between 4" and 7" of snow between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Our team will be on hand for 24-hour response.

This will be the second significant snowfall the City has received since last weekend, which broke a 130-year-old record for a one-day snowfall in November. The City received 11 inches of snow between Friday night, Nov. 28 and Sunday morning, Nov. 30, along with additional snowfall on Monday, Dec. 1.

Throughout this past week, our crews have:

• continued removing snow from downtown on overnight shifts
• spread salt and continued plowing to address snowpack that had become slick due to melting and refreezing
• returned to residential areas where parked cars had impacted initial plowing operations, and responded to MyCR reports from residents across the City who had additional trouble spots that needed to be addressed. We want to thank residents who used My CR to let us know about these areas.
• In many cases, our plows had to return because parked cars had been moved. We encourage residents to avoid street parking whenever possible, in order to minimize these issues. Our crews will not attempt to plow streets they cannot access.

Safe Driving Tips
Even with the efforts listed above, there are still going to be some slick spots on the roads, and they will be covered with new snow this weekend. Please remember this while walking or driving, and use extra caution.

Additional tips include:

• Do not follow plows too closely. During their operation, plows occasionally need to stop and back up.
• Reduce speeds.
• Use caution in turns.
• Avoid sudden moves.
• Accelerate and brake carefully and slowly.
• Leave more room between vehicles.
• Increase your braking distance.

Snow-Removal Operations
After winter weather conditions clear, it may take up to 12 hours for crews to reach every public street. During heavy or slow-moving storms, crews may need to make multiple passes on the same route before they can move on to the next area of prioritization. The following is how the City prioritizes snow removal efforts:

1. Main arterial streets: Highest traffic volumes and posted Emergency Snow Routes.
2. Collector streets: Connect major sections of the city.
3. Residential streets: Neighborhoods and side streets

Residents may submit concerns regarding access to residential areas through My CR.

Road Closures Due to Snow
During some snow events, certain streets may need to close due to weather conditions, location, and usage. In these cases, it is more effective to focus snow-removal efforts elsewhere until conditions improve. Alternative routes are available for any closed roads, and the City works to clear access to affected properties and businesses when through traffic is restricted.

Current Related Closures:

• No closures announced at this time.

Garbage & Recycling Collection
Residents may expect the following impacts to their City garbage and recycling collection:

• No impacts anticipated at this time.

If your cart isn't picked up on your regular day, leave it in the collection area until it is - "when in doubt, leave it out."

For the latest updates, visit CityofCR.com/Garbage. If your cart remains uncollected past the date listed on this page, request a missed pickup through My CR at CityofCR.com/MyCR or call Cedar Rapids Solid Waste & Recycling Customer Service.

Clearing snow from sidewalks
One of our City priorities is to ensure all residents have access to basic needs. In light of this, keeping sidewalks and sidewalk ramps safe and clear of snow is critical to public safety and accessibility so residents can access sidewalks, bus stops, and routes to businesses. It is important to provide a safe, walkable community for all residents, regardless of age and ability. Thanks for doing your part to keep our community safe and accessible.

Snow Event end times are posted in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 9.11 - Clearing Snow and Ice From Sidewalks:

• Property owners have 24 hours after snow or ice accumulation to clear public sidewalks and curb ramps adjacent to their property.
• The City posts official snow event end times at CityofCR.com/Snow to clarify timelines and ensure transparency.
• Each snow event is assessed individually based on factors like wind, temperatures, etc.
• If a new snow event starts during the 24-hour clock, the countdown stops for that storm and a new clock begins after the new snow event ends.

Protect Your Pipes and Water Meter from Freezing
With below-zero temperatures, residents are reminded to take preventative measures to protect their water pipes from freezing:

• Ensure your water meter can be turned off in case of an emergency. Check your shut-off valve by turning it on and off a few times to make sure it is in working order. If the valve is inoperable, contact a plumber to make repairs.
• Eliminate drafts from rooms containing your water meter and/or pipes. Seal cracks from cold air and cover drafty windows with plastic or insulation. Open cabinet doors under sinks to help circulate warm air near pipes.
• Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to cold air drafts with wrap that contains fiberglass or other known insulating materials.
• Cover your meter with a blanket or rug to protect it.
• Protect outdoor faucets/hose bibs by disconnecting hoses and turning off any indoor shut-off valves to those faucets.
• Always keep your home's temperature above 55 degrees, even if you are not home for an extended period.
• If outdoor temperatures fall below 10 degrees, you might leave a thin stream of water running from the tap furthest from your water meter.

Even when protected by an interior heating source, meters and pipes may freeze when exposed to cold air. Customers are responsible for protecting their meters and pipes.