Ahead of this weekend’s expected winter storm, Cleveland officials on Friday urged residents to stay inside and remain patient while snowplow crews navigate city streets, a road salt shortage and sub-zero temperatures.
Wind chill values could drop as low as 15 degrees below zero overnight this weekend, with highs around 20 degrees and cold temperatures forecast through the week.
It will take time to plow every street in the city, Mayor Justin Bibb said at a news conference Friday afternoon.
“Be extremely patient,” he said.
On top of that, the city will have to ration its salt by prioritizing main roads, hills, dangerous intersections and areas near hospitals for salt treatments.
“I’ll remind folks at home: Our snowplow trucks are not Ubers,” Bibb said. “This is going to be a big event. So if you see delays on your street, know our crews are working around the clock to plow our roads in a safe and deliberate fashion.”
Cleveland hasn’t received as much salt as expected from its supplier, Cargill, Bibb said. The Ohio Department of Transportation has helped the city out with more, officials said.
“We can keep the city safe,” Public Works Director John Laird said, but he added, “I would like to have tons more salt.”
Cargill, which operates a salt mine beneath Lake Erie, released a statement to news media saying that the company is “working overtime” to provide salt to customers. The company said it had to prioritize its salt distribution because winter weather started early this year.
– Nick Castele
If you’re wondering where the snow plow is…..
You can follow the snow clean-up progress on the snow plow tracker that the city launched in 2022. The city is responsible for clearing main, secondary and residential streets. Home and business owners are responsible for clearing snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks. The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike Commission handle the interstates.
Snow parking bans
Cleveland has issued a snow emergency parking ban for the city from Saturday at 7 p.m. until January at 7 p.m.
On city streets posted with red and white signs, people are restricted from parking or stopping vehicles.
Parking is prohibited on designated “snow emergency” streets, which needed for transportation, moving supplies or for emergency vehicles. Here is a list of those streets. Vehicles in violation could be towed and the owners ticketed.
City officials discouraged any parking on city streets, if possible, which can cause bottlenecks and gridlock and make it hard for emergency vehicles and salt trucks to get through. .
Recreation centers serving as warming centers
Cleveland will open four recreation centers as warming centers through Jan. 28. On weekdays the centers will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. On weekend days the centers will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Michael Zone Recreation Center (West Side)
6301 Lorain Ave.
(216) 664-3373
Edward J. Kovacic Recreation Center (near downtown)
6250 St. Clair Ave.
(216) 664-4140
Zelma George Recreation Center (Southeast)
3155 Martin L. King Blvd.
(216) 420-8800
Collinwood Recreation Center (Northeast)
16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
(216) 420-8323
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority: Expect delays
RTA officials said temperatures and snowfall will impact service over the next few days. Riders can check TransitApp or riderta.com for timely information.
RTA snow trains will operate on the Red, Blue and Green Lines to clear the Rapid tracks of snow and to prevent ice from building up on the overhead lines. The transit agency, like the city, also has a shortage of rock salt, but it will still plow parking lots and sidewalks around agency facilities.
Find more information on RTA routes and stations affected by the winter storm here: https://www.riderta.com/riders-alerts/winter-weather-plans
Cleveland City Council meeting canceled
City Council has canceled its regular Monday meeting for Jan. 26 due to winter weather conditions.
Residents who signed up for public comment slots at the Jan. 26 meeting will keep those spots for the next regular meeting on Feb. 2.
Who to call for help
The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and local organizations offer a variety of resources for residents who need help when the temperature drops and the snow starts falling. Here are some of them. Call or text (216) 220-9398 if you know of resources that should be added to this list.
- Emergencies: 911
- Non-emergency, snow-related service requests: 311
- Social services for seniors and people needing shelter: 211
- Power outages and downed lines: Cleveland Public Power, 216-664-3156, or FirstEnergy, 888-544-4877
- Burst water mains: Cleveland Water, 216-664-3060
If you need to venture out by car in the snow
AAA recommends drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicle. Emergency kit essentials include:
- Cell phone car chargers
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- An ice scraper or snow brush and shovel
- Gloves, warm clothes and blankets
- Drinking water
- Non-perishible food
- Traction aids such as salt or non-clumping cat litter
- Reflective or warning triangles to put outside the vehicle in the case of a breakdown
If you want to be a ‘Snow Hero’
Do you have a snow shovel or blower and some time to help out in your community? The City of Cleveland’s Department of Aging is looking for Snow Heroes — volunteers to shovel steps, ramps and sidewalks for older adults and residents with disabilities. You can sign up online, by sending an email to jsmith21@clevelandohio.gov or by calling 216-857-7165.
No matter where you’re shoveling, do it safely!
If you need a place to stay tonight
The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless offers a seasonal shelter for adults and their pets at 1530 E. 19th St. The hours are 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Here’s how you can donate items to the shelter.) [NOTE: The seasonal shelter is full for this weekend.]
The Metanoia Project’s seasonal shelter for adults is at 11115 Kinsman Road. The hours are 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and pets are welcome “if they’re friendly.” (Here’s how to donate.)
Anyone, including families, experiencing homelessness can call 211 for help.
If you’re worried about your pipes freezing
Pipes in unheated spaces, including garages and basements, are most vulnerable to freezing. But pipes on exterior walls or under kitchen or bathroom cabinets are also at risk. Here are some tips to prevent freezing and what to do if a pipe has frozen.
Is it safe to eat snow?
It depends, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Freshly fallen snow should be consumed only in moderation. It may look beautiful and yummy, but snow can collect contaminants, dust and allergens that could make you sick.
Some guidelines:
- Don’t eat snow that has been shoveled, walked on or plowed
- Don’t eat black or yellow snow – just snow that is pristine and white
- Scoop off the top layer, after snow has been falling for a few hours
Coats needed! City Mission asking these items
- NEW boys’ underwear — Size Small & XL
- NEW girls’ underwear — Size 7
- Womens winter coats — Sizes 3XL, 4XL, 5XL & 6XL
(gently used coats are welcome)
Donate using the missions’s Amazon Wish List or drop donations at 5310 Carnegie Ave. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.