Winter Storm Stella

City of Rochester

News Release

Mayor Warren Urges Citizens to be Prepared for Snowstorm, Morning Commute

(Monday, March 13, 2017) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren is urging residents to be prepared for Winter Storm Stella. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Monroe and several surrounding counties from 8 p.m. this evening through early Wednesday evening. Heavy snow and blowing snow could produce very difficult conditions during tomorrow morning’s commute, with very poor visibility and deep snow cover on roads.

“The City of Rochester is working hard preparing our staff and equipment for heavy snow, however I am asking for citizens to also be prepared, particularly when it comes to the morning commute,” Mayor Warren said. “By working together we can get through this storm safely.”

Mayor Warren is asking that residents consider the following:

• PlowTrax, the City’s snow plow tracker application, will be up and running, so residents can check our plowing progress in real time. Plows will be able to do their job faster if residents give them plenty of space to do their jobs. For more: http://www.cityofrochester.gov/plowtrax/
• Strictly observe alternate side parking regulations to allow our plows clear passage.
• Monitor the news for travel advisories, closures and cancellations.
• While the storm warning is in effect, it is strongly advised that residents avoid unnecessary travel. If you do need to be on the roads, please give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go, drive carefully, and be safe.
• Please keep your sidewalk clear in front of your property. While the city does provide a sidewalk plowing service during heavy snow, we rely on our residents to keep their walks clear so pedestrians can have clear passage.
• When snow has accumulated, place your refuse and recycling containers at the edge of your driveway or on a shoveled path. Do not put them on top of snow banks or in the street or sidewalk.
• RG&E is working to restore power from the windstorm. The shelter at the Gantt R-Center will remain open.
• Please keep your fire hydrants clear in the event of an emergency.
• Bring your pets inside.
• Stay safe by making sure you have enough gas, food and warm clothes and blankets in preparation for the storm. Residents should also consider having a communication plan for families and loved ones, especially the sick and elderly in order to decide on how to contact one another and what to do in case of an emergency.
• Please remember that shoveling or plowing snow from private property onto sidewalks, roads or fire hydrants is illegal.

For more information on winter snow preparations visit www.cityofrochester.gov/rocsnow.