Somerville Snow Emergency will end Tuesday, January 27, at 12 Noon

On January 26, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Move cars from City lots by 6 p.m. Tuesday (extended)

The City of Somerville’s snow emergency will end on Tuesday, January 27, at 12 p.m. (noon) and normal parking rules will resume at that time. The information below offers tips to avoid ticketing and towing as well as strategies for being a good neighbor and staying safe.

Please note: Do NOT move cars to the even side of the road in advance of the 12 p.m. Tuesday lift. Cars moved early may be ticketed and towed.

CARS IN LOTS: Due to weather conditions, residents parked in City-owned lots during the snow emergency will have a six-hour window (extended from two hours) to move their vehicles after the end of the snow emergency. Cars still parked in City lots after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, may be ticketed and towed to ensure crews are able to safely plow lots.

PERMIT VISIBILITY: Please note that by 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, January 28 (24 hours after the end of the snow emergency), residential or visitor parking permits must be cleared of snow and visible or the vehicle may be ticketed.

SNOW REMOVAL FROM VEHICLES: Please note that by 12 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, January 29 (48 hours after the end of the snow emergency), your vehicle must be fully cleared of snow to avoid ticketing.

SIDEWALK SHOVELING: To allow safe passage for all and to avoid ticketing, property owners must clear snow from their sidewalks by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27 (within 6 daylight hours of the end of snowfall). A path at least 3 feet wide and down to the pavement is required to allow wheelchair passage. Do not shovel snow into the street or bike lanes. Please remember to also treat sidewalks and walkways in the coming days for ice that can form overnight as meltwater refreezes. Be sure to stay warm and take frequent breaks while shoveling. Review cold weather safety tips at somervillema.gov/coldweather.

SHOVELING ASSISTANCE: The Somerville Teen Shoveling program is a paid program for youth to shovel out the homes of seniors or persons with disabilities after significant snowfall in Somerville. Teens and homeowners are paired for the season. You must apply and be paired with teen shovelers well in advance of a storm. To ask about signing up for future storms, contact the Council on Aging at 617-625-6600 x2300.

BIKE TRAVEL: Crews are working to remove snow from bike lanes. Shovelers, please do not shovel snow into the road or bike lanes. Cyclists, please wait for lanes to be cleared, use extra caution when biking post-storm, and consider using other methods of transportation until the pavement is fully clear of snow and ice. Some flex post loss is expected during snow removal, and damaged posts will be replaced in the spring.

SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY PATH: Brief, temporary closures of the Path are possible during and after a storm to allow for snow removal. You can call 311 (617-666-3311) to check on Community Path closures.

OPEN, CLOSED, DELAYED:

Closed/Delayed:
- All City offices will be closed on Tuesday.
  - At this time, all libraries will be closed. We are seeking to establish some open hours at either the Central or West library. Please contact 311 before heading out tomorrow to confirm.
- Somerville Public Schools will be closed and events and athletics are canceled on Tuesday.
- All Recreation programs are canceled. The Ginny Smithers Pool will be closed on Tuesday and all pool programs canceled.
- All Council on Aging sites will be closed on Tuesday, in-person programming is canceled, and the senior transportation program will not be running.
- Reminder: Trash and recycling pickup, as well as Christmas Tree pickup is delayed by one day for the full week.
Open/Operating:
- The Emergency Overnight Warming Center will be open normal hours nightly.
  - Open nightly (5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.) through April 12, 2026
  - Location: 42 Prescott St.

HOW TO GET YOUR CAR IF TOWED: Call the tow company, Stephen’s Towing, at 781-395-0808 if your car was towed. Cars are towed to the Dilboy Stadium parking lot in Somerville on Route 16 (110 Alewife Brook Parkway).

HOW TO HELP: Check on Neighbors, Shovel Hydrants, Use Your Driveway, and Park Considerately.

Please consider assisting neighbors who may need help with shoveling and consider checking in on seniors or others who may need other help to ensure they are safe; have all the basic supplies, food/water, and medication they need; and that they have heat and are safe if there are power outages.
City crews are working to shovel out fire hydrants and catch basins. If you are physically able, we greatly appreciate any assistance in shoveling hydrants (3 feet in all directions) and catch basins in your neighborhood. Always take breaks when you shovel.
Parking is often tight following a storm. If you have a driveway, please use it, and if you park on the street, try to maximize room for others.

THANK YOU & MORE INFO: We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this storm. For more information on post-snow policies, please visit somervillema.gov/snow.

For more information or to make a non-emergency service request, please dial 311 (617-666-3311) or visit the City’s website, somervillema.gov. 311 may also be contacted via fb.com/311Somerville, @311somerville, and the 311 app for iOS or Android.

-City of Somerville