1/7/25 Snow Operations Update

The City of Cincinnati is in its third full day of snow operations following one of the most significant snowfalls in decades. City crews are working tirelessly throughout this historic storm to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Significant progress was made overnight as crews remained committed to clearing all City streets.

Today's Focus (1/7/25)

• DPS Crews are focusing on residential routes and remain on 12-hour shifts
• Lay down salt and calcium chloride to melt remaining snow and attempt to prevent refreezing as temperatures stay low

Comprehensive Snow Operations

The City activated the Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. to coordinate the City's response to the winter weather event. The City has stayed in close contact with federal, state, county and local officials to coordinate response efforts. In the last 24 hours of snow operations, the Cincinnati Fire Department has responded to 38 fire runs and 204 medical runs.

Clearing the Roads

The Department of Public Services (DPS) has more than 100 drivers working 12-hour shifts until roads are cleared. DPS drivers are focusing on residential routes, but the extreme cold temperatures make it difficult to clear snow and streets require multiple passes. Crews are using all resources including calcium chloride and rock salt around the clock to clear the City's 3,100 lane miles; as of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, plows have traveled more than 21,000 lane miles to clear and re-clear City streets. To put that into perspective, that's the equivalent of plowing the entire City seven times. Plow drivers began pretreating roadways Saturday and moved to plowing operations Sunday as snow began to fall.

The City started the winter season with 27,000 tons of salt and 48,000 gallons of salt brine to aid in the effort. The City aims to have City streets passable 24 hours after the last snowfall.

Drivers are reminded to stay home, if possible, and to exercise caution if you have to be on the roads. Snow, ice, and slush create dangerous driving conditions, especially on bridges and hills and in tunnels and underpasses. Additionally, drivers should give snowplow operators plenty of room to work. We remind residents not to pass snowplows as they work to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads.

The City's Snowplow Tracker allows users to view snowplow routes and cleared streets in real time.

The City of Cincinnati follows the Snow Emergency levels issued by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

• Level I Snow Alert: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.
• Level II Snow Advisory: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
• Level III Snow Emergency: All Municipal, Township, County and State roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.

Trash and Recycling Collection Update

City trash, yard waste, recycling and bulk item collection resumed Tuesday, Jan. 7 and will operate on a one-day delay schedule for the remainder of the week.

Cincinnati Recreation Commission Rec Centers

January 6-10, the City is activating a daytime cold weather shelter at the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center (1715 Republic St).

The activation includes:

• Expanded hours Tuesday-Friday from 6:15am - 6:45pm
• Metro bus transportation to/from the overnight Winter Shelter at 411 Gest Street
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Behavioral health services if needed
• Non-emergent health services if needed
• Blankets, hats, and scarves
• Pet services for people experiencing homelessness with their pets

All other Cincinnati Recreation Commission rec centers opened at noon Tuesday, Jan. 7 and will act as warming centers for the remainder of the week.

Cincinnati Health Department

All Cincinnati Health Department centers are open.

Connector Streetcar Operating Under Extreme Conditions

The Streetcar is running service on time every 12-15 minutes, providing a safe and warm transportation option downtown and in Over-the-Rhine. Crews are working to keep the tracks and streetcar stops clear. To stay updated on services, follow the Connector on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Report Problems with 311Cincy

In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency problems and customer service needs, use 311Cincy, the City of Cincinnati's one-stop customer service portal.

Call 311, visit 311Cincy.com, or use the 311Cincy app.

Know the Signs of Hypothermia

Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, slurred speech, trouble with coordination, slowed response time, sleepiness, and shivering. Frostbite, which may accompany hypothermia, is characterized by areas of the body becoming dusky, dark, waxy, or blanched after extended exposure to severe cold. Frostbitten areas may feel numb or prickly to the frostbitten person.

These conditions require quick medical evaluation and attention. If you, someone you know, or someone you encounter develops signs or symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, call 911.

For the latest updates from the City of Cincinnati, follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

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