Winter Storm Road Treatment and Snow Removal

Every storm is different, but usually roads are treated at the start of a storm. Generally, after 2 to 3-inches of snow has accumulated, plowing will begin. After the plowing process is completed, another round of road treatment may be necessary as weather conditions vary throughout the storm. Please be patient as we work to clean streets, bus stops, ramps, and other public areas.

During storms, there is a plowing priority to ensure the safest road conditions. Our routes first focus on plowing the main streets in the City, then hills, flat roads and finally private ways. This priority is also applied when sanding the roads as well.

Driveways

Snowplows try to minimize the amount of snow that gets plowed across driveway entrances. Unfortunately, snow will be pushed into driveway entrances by the plow trucks during a snow and ice event as the City performs curb-to-curb plowing. This is an unavoidable inconvenience as plow blades cannot be lifted as they pass by a driveway. During an extended snow event it could be necessary for a plow to make multiple visits to your street. If you clear your driveway before plowing is done curb-to-curb, expect to have snow that comes off the plow at the end of the driveway. You may wish to clear your driveway several times during the storm or wait until the storm and plowing activities have ended.

When removing snow from your driveway at roads edge it is best to do so left to the right facing the street allowing the plow to move it past your driveway, so it does not get pushed back from where you removed it. Please keep in mind that if you live on a one-way street shovel to the side with traffic flow.

Fire Hydrants

Businesses and homeowners alike are encouraged to "Adopt-A-Hydrant" near your business or home. There are a thousand of fire hydrants in the city, and after each storm we check each one to ensure they are clear of ice and snow and ready for use if need be. With your help we can accomplish this task much more quickly and efficiently.

Learn more about shoveling fire hydrants.

Storm Drain Blockage

After a large snow accumulation, please clear snow and ice from storm drains in front of your house, business or places you have noticed that may have drained poorly in past storms. Be sure to place what you clear away cleared in a location that will not allow it to wash back to the catch basin during the storm. If you are unable to clear the snow and ice yourself, please call 311 (or 617-715-8660) or report the issue online with the 311 Service Center. Please make sure you provide the address where the storm drain is located.

Additional Storm Information

For the latest on power outages, visit Eversource Electric or call 800-592-2000
To report downed power lines: call 911 or Eversource Electric at 800-592-2000
To report a hazardous tree emergency, contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 617-972-6420
In an emergency, please call 911. Do not post emergency situations on social media