News Item

City of Racine Declares Snow Emergency Ahead of Weekend Storm

With a significant snowstorm expected for the second time this week, the City of Racine’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is once again mobilizing to ensure roads are cleared as efficiently and safely as possible.

Snow Emergency Declaration

A Snow Emergency has been declared beginning at 6:00 p.m. tonight, Friday, February 14, and expiring at noon tomorrow, Saturday, February 15. During this time:

  • NO PARKING is permitted on either side of the City’s highways, arterial, and collector streets per City Ordinance.
  • For all other streets:
    • NO PARKING on the EVEN side of the street from the time of declaration, Friday at 6:00 p.m., until 6:00 a.m. Saturday.
    • NO PARKING on the ODD side of the street from 6:00 a.m. Saturday until the emergency expires at noon.
  • AFTER the Snow Emergency has ended, alternate-side winter parking regulations resume from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Vehicles parked in violation of these restrictions will be ticketed and may be subject to towing.

Waste Drop-Off Site Closures

To ensure adequate staffing for plowing operations, all City of Racine DPW Waste Drop-Off Sites will be closed this weekend. This includes the Racine Transfer Station at 6300 S. 21st Street and the Pearl Street Facility. Previously, these sites were scheduled to remain open, but due to the Snow Emergency, this change is necessary. Normal operations will resume as soon as conditions allow.

Snow Removal Plan

DPW will follow its structured, tiered approach to snow removal, prioritizing major roads first to ensure emergency access and commuter safety. Arterial roads will be cleared first, followed by local streets, city-owned facilities, and designated sidewalks. Snow removal operations will continue around the clock, with staff rotations in place to maintain efficiency and safety.

While residents may wish for their streets to be cleared immediately, this structured approach ensures the best use of resources and maintains accessibility citywide.

How Residents Can Help

Residents can assist snow removal efforts by complying with the City’s winter parking regulations and Snow Emergency protocols.

  • The Racine Police Department (RPD) will actively enforce winter parking restrictions, with increased attention during this Snow Emergency.
  • Vehicles parked in violation of emergency parking restrictions may be ticketed and towed.

We advise residents to anticipate longer travel times and check weather conditions before heading out. Motorists should reduce speeds, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, and exercise extra caution near snowplows.

City’s Commitment to Residents

Snow removal is a complex operation requiring time, coordination, and resources. The City of Racine would like to acknowledge the success of plowing operations during Wednesday’s snow event and express gratitude to the dedicated DPW workers who worked tirelessly to make our roads passable. Their efforts ensured safer travel conditions for residents and businesses alike. While storms present challenges, the City of Racine remains committed to clearing roads as efficiently as possible. Officials ask for patience and cooperation as crews work to maintain safe and accessible streets throughout the community.