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Parking ban, free garages announced in Worcester storm response

  • Posted by Worcester News Jan 23 - Filed in News - #Worcester  #Worcester Technical High School  #parking ban  - 1,517 views

    WORCESTER — The City of Worcester declared a Winter Weather Emergency effective 4 p.m. Friday as forecasters warned of subzero temperatures, dangerous wind chills and heavy snowfall that could create blizzard-like conditions through Monday.

    City officials said the storm is expected to bring 18 to 25 inches of snow, with wind chills as low as minus 20 degrees from Friday night through Monday, Jan. 26. Residents are asked to avoid city streets beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, unless travel is an emergency.

    To address the extreme cold, the city is opening an emergency winter overflow shelter and warming center at Worcester Technical High School at 5 p.m. Friday. The shelter will remain open until 3 p.m. Monday.

    A declared winter parking ban will take effect at 1 a.m. Sunday. During the ban, all municipal parking garages will be free to any vehicle that enters after 8 p.m. Saturday until the ban is lifted, though special event rates will still apply. Residents are encouraged to use city garages including Major Taylor Garage, Federal Plaza Garage, Pearl & Elm Garage, Worcester Common Garage and Union Station Garage.

    “Residents’ safety is my top priority,” City Manager Eric D. Batista said in a statement. “We ask that people practice patience as DPW crews work to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. Please remain off the streets unless travel is an emergency.”

    During the parking ban, parking is prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency routes, bus routes and downtown streets critical to traffic flow. On other streets, parking is limited to the odd-numbered side unless otherwise posted. Residents can check their street status at worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking.

    Towing and ticketing may be enforced to keep streets clear. Residents with questions can contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or visiting worcesterma.gov/311. Vehicles that have been towed can also be located through Worcester 311.

    City updates will be shared on social media and at worcesterma.gov as information becomes available while the ALERTWorcester system remains down.

    Officials reminded residents that sidewalks abutting their property must be cleared of snow and ice within 10 hours after the storm ends. Those who are able are also encouraged to clear snow around fire hydrants and catch basins. Snow should not be placed in the street.

    Trash and recycling collection will be delayed on Monday, resulting in a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. Worcester City Hall will also be closed Monday.

    Additional information on snow removal policies, enforcement and winter sand locations is available at worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/snow-removal. Winter weather safety tips can be found at ready.gov/winter-weather.

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