A Snow Route Alert issued by the City of Yakima on Saturday, February 9th has been cancelled.
The City issues a Snow Route Alert when necessary to provide notice to drivers to remove their vehicles from designated snow routes in order to allow snow to be plowed from roads as efficiently and safely as possible.
Severe winter weather, including the potential for additional precipitation, is forecast for the Yakima area through next week. During that time, people in Yakima are encouraged to look for notices from the City regarding winter weather, including Snow Route Alerts, on the City’s various communications platforms and through local media reports.
To see a map of Yakima snow routes, along with the rest of the priority plowing routes throughout the city, click on the following link – http://www.yakimawa.gov/apps/snow-routes/.
The City reminds property owners that it is their responsibility to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses. The best time to shovel snow is immediately after it falls and before ice can begin to form.
Those who are elderly, disabled or have other special conditions that make snow removal hazardous can contact the Office of Neighborhood Development Services (ONDS) at 575-6101.
Other snow-related tips from the City of Yakima’s Public Works Department include:
- Don’t follow a de-icing spray truck, snowplow or sanding truck too closely. They may stop suddenly and spray sand, rocks or other material.
- Do not sled on streets or sidewalks.
- Don’t throw snow from your sidewalk or driveway into the street – it’s against the law.
- After clearing the sidewalk of snow, you may choose to apply an ice-melting substance. The City of Yakima recommends use of Calcium Chloride, (sometimes called “hot melt”) rather than Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt) because it is less damaging to sidewalks and plants. Also, it works at a much lower temperature, so it is more effective in freezing conditions.
- If your home or business is at a corner, please remove the snow from the sidewalk ramps so children and other pedestrians can cross the street.
- Dig out fire hydrants for your safety.
- Put safety first and drive only if necessary during winter storms. Dress warmly and be prepared for travel delays.
Visit https://www.yakimawa.gov/services/streets/snow-removal-policies-tips/ for more information about City of Yakima snow removal policies and tips.