With several inches of snow and bitterly cold temperatures forecast for this weekend, the City of Cincinnati is prepared to efficiently clear streets and protect residents. Beginning Saturday, the City will activate the Emergency Operations Center to seamlessly coordinate with federal, state, county, and local officials in response efforts. City Manager Sheryl Long has designated a snow emergency for the City of Cincinnati effective this evening at 7pm through midnight Monday, January 26. This means your car can be towed and you can be fined if you park in a snow emergency route. These areas are clearly marked with signage throughout the City. We encourage all residents to utilize driveways, garages and off-street parking during this weather event to reduce additional challenges for snowplow drivers in already treacherous conditions.

Snowplow Operations​

Beginning at 7AM on Saturday, January 24, Department of Public Services crews will begin operating on alternating 12-hour shifts to clear snow from City streets around the clock.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time to arrive at their destination, always drive with caution, and give snowplows plenty of room on the road.

When 12-hour shifts are activated, the City’s Snowplow Tracker allows residents to check the status of snow-clearing operations.

Winter Daytime Shelter Activated

The City will activate the extreme winter weather daytime shelter at St. Anthony Center (1615 Republic) from 6AM-7PM beginning Saturday, January 24 through Monday, January 26. In partnership with St. Francis Seraph Ministries, the center will provide a safe haven from the cold, free food and drinks, and connections to wraparound services. Free transportation will be provided to and from Shelterhouse (411 Gest) for those needing overnight shelter as well.

311: Report Problems, Sign Up for Alerts

311Cincy is the City’s all-in-one customer service platform. Call 311, visit 311Cincy.com, or use the 311Cincy mobile app to submit a customer service request.

Residents can also sign up for CincyAlerts, powered by Smart911. CincyAlert is the City of Cincinnati’s official public alerting system for both emergency and non-emergency updates. Users can create a profile, select which alert types they would like to receive, and opt into alerts via text, email, or both. Get started at CincyAlert.org.

Know the Signs of Hypothermia

Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, slurred speech, trouble with coordination, slowed response time, sleepiness, and shivering. Frostbite, which may accompany hypothermia, is characterized by areas of the body becoming dusky, dark, waxy, or blanched after extended exposure to severe cold. Frostbitten areas may feel numb or prickly to the frostbitten person.

These conditions require quick medical evaluation and attention. If you, someone you know, or someone you encounter develops signs or symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, call 911.

Watch for Downed Trees and Power Lines

Remain safe around trees and power lines that may be downed during extreme weather. Do not attempt to check whether power lines are live and conducting electricity—assume that they are and keep a safe distance.

To report a downed power line, contact Duke Energy at (800) 288-8485. If a power line is on fire or visibly arcing electricity, call 911 immediately.

Do Not Block Fire Hydrants or Emergency Lanes

When clearing snow, or if moving your parked car, do not block fire hydrants or emergency lanes. Fire lanes and official snow emergency lanes are marked by signs and painted road surface.