Significant winter weather is expected across Central Ohio this weekend, and the City of Powell is preparing to respond to snow and ice conditions to help keep our community safe and moving. While our crews are ready to work 12-hour shifts starting Saturday evening, winter operations are a shared effort. A few simple steps from residents can make a big difference in how quickly and effectively streets are cleared.
Please Remove Cars from Streets During Snow Events
One of the most important things residents can do during winter weather is remove vehicles from the street when snow or ice is forecasted.
Snowplows cannot safely or effectively make it through streets that have cars parked on both sides. When plows are unable to clear the full width of the roadway, snow becomes compacted by traffic and can turn into hard-packed ice that lingers long after a storm ends.
By removing cars from streets:
- Plow drivers can safely access and clear the roadway
- Streets can be fully cleared curb-to-curb
- Ice buildup is reduced, improving long-term road conditions
Pre-Treating Roads Before Winter Weather Hits
Crews are pre-treating roads with salt at stop signs, hills, and curves ahead of this snow event. This process helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, making plowing more effective and reducing hazardous driving conditions.
Pre-treatment is most effective when temperatures, timing, and weather conditions align, and it plays a key role in improving road conditions during the early stages of a winter event.
Placement of Plowed and Shoveled Snow
Residents should place snow plowed from driveways into the yard and not the street. Contractors should not plow snow into the street. This will help City staff keep from plowing the snow back onto your property.
How Streets Are Prioritized
During snow and ice events, streets are cleared based on priority to ensure emergency access and community mobility.
Priority routes include:
- Major arterial roads
- Emergency service routes
- School routes and high-traffic corridors
Residential streets are addressed after priority routes have been treated and cleared. This approach allows crews to focus first on roads that serve the greatest number of drivers and provide access for emergency responders.
Learn More About Snow and Ice Removal
Residents can learn more about Powell’s snow and ice removal plan, including detailed street priorities and winter operations, by visiting the City’s Snow and Ice Removal webpage:
https://www.cityofpowell.us/Residents/Public-Service-Requests/Snow-and-Ice-Removal
Thank you for helping our crews do their jobs safely and efficiently this winter.