Winter Weather

Our goal during a winter storm is to keep streets open, essential traffic moving, and return streets to safe traveling conditions as soon as possible. Please review the Winter Weather Guide for important information to help you through the winter.

Top Services

• Adopt-A-Hydrant
• Winter Parking Ban Search
• To request services or report problems, call 311 or submit your request online through Worcester 311.

Winter Weather Guide

Winter is Here

Have a Question?

• Does the City plow private streets during a storm?

  Yes. All City streets are plowed. Main roads and major arteries are plowed before smaller side streets. Likewise, paved roads are plowed with better quality due to the condition of the road itself while private roads are often dirt roads that are rutted and have potholes making them more difficult to plow.

• How can I find out when the Parking Ban goes into effect?

  The official source to find out when the ban goes into effect is by calling Worcester 311 at 311. Other sources are the Government Channel, the City Website, or @SnowParkingBan on Twitter for up-to-date information.

• How long does a property owner have to clear snow & ice off the sidewalk in front of their house?

  Sidewalks must be cleared 10 hours after snow ceases to fall. Sidewalks must be cleared four (4) feet wide in front of property and on all sides of a corner property.

• How much snow has to accumulate before the City begins plowing?

  Typically, one inch (1") of snow must accumulate.

• I need assistance shoveling my sidewalk; who can help?

  Seniors and the disabled can call Worcester 311 at 311 for a list of agencies and phone numbers that may be able to assist in snow removal.

• What happens if my car is parked illegally?

  Vehicles will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.

• What is a Declared Ban?

  Streets not under the Permanent Ban can have a Declared Ban that can go into effect with a forecast of inclement weather. When a Declared Ban goes into effect, parking is typically allowed on only one side of the street. To find out about restrictions on any street, call 311 or visit Worcester 311.

• What is a Permanent Winter Parking Ban?

  A Permanent Ban remains in effect from December 1st through April 30th on Emergency Arteries, WRTA Bus Routes and streets that are critical to the flow of traffic. There is no parking on one or both sides of the street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. and anytime a snow emergency is declared.

• Where can I pick up sand?

  Winter sand is free and available to residents using hand buckets only. It can be picked up at three sites; at the DPW&P Yard on Clark Street near the intersection of East Mountain Street, Albany Street outside the salt shed yard and at the Millbury Street Drop-Off Center next to the VFW Post. Salt is not available.

• Who do I call if someone is plowing or shoveling snow into the street?

  Report this to Worcester 311 at 311 as soon as possible.

• Who is going to clear the snow from the hydrant in front of my house?

  We ask that residents help out by keeping the hydrants in front of your property clear of snow.

• Why don't plow operators lift the plow when they go by my driveway?

  Plows are fixed and angled to the right so when plowing, snow may end up on the driveway that you just shoveled. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes but plow blades cannot be lifted as they pass by a driveway. You may wish to clear your driveway several times during the storm or wait until the storm and plowing operations have ended.

Resources

• Snow Emergency Brochure