In accordance with the city’s Snow Emergency Procedures, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has declared a snow emergency for the City of Somerville will go into effect at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2.  During snow emergencies, parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street only (unless otherwise posted).  Cars not moved by 12 p.m. Thursday afternoon will be subject to ticketing and towing.  Residents unable to find a parking space on the odd-numbered side of the street may park in any municipal or school parking lot for the duration of the emergency.  Full snow emergency and snow removal policies may be found on the city’s website at www.somervillema.gov/snow.

Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi also announced that the Somerville Public Schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday this week.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the City’s alert system to receive notification by phone, email and/or text message in the event of emergencies or with important information for your neighborhood. Residents may also sign up for alerts by calling 311 (617-666-3311 from outside the City).

Snow Emergency Policies:
A snow emergency may be declared whenever four or more inches of snow are predicted. City officials closely monitor storm forecasts through various means, and will use all available information to make an informed decision as swiftly as possible. Once a snow emergency has been declared, residents will be notified via multiple lines of communication, including:
•       Citywide alerts:
•       City Cable TV (Channel 22 for Comcast customers, Channel 13 for RCN customers) and Educational TV (Channel 15);
•       Local TV, radio and print media.
•       Postings on City social media feeds, including:
o       Facebook: www.facebook.com/SomervilleCity; www.facebook.com/311Somerville
o       Twitter: @SomervilleCity; @311Somerville
•       City website: www.somervillema.gov
•       Flashing blue lights activated at 22 key intersections in the City (when lights are flashing, a snow emergency is in effect).

Parking Regulations During a Snow Emergency:

Once a snow emergency is declared, vehicle owners will have four hours (unless otherwise noted) in which to move their vehicles to the odd-numbered side of the street (unless otherwise posted), or they will be ticketed and towed.  Municipal and school lots will be made available at no cost to residents during snow emergencies. It is important that vehicles only be parked on one side of the street as noted above to ensure plows can make all roads accessible and safe, particularly for emergency vehicles.