Cedar Rapids declares Snow Emergency event Sunday through Monday

City crews are preparing for a major snow event, with a snow emergency declared beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday and continuing through 3 p.m. Monday. Residents are asked to remove parked cars from snow emergency routes during that time.

With accumulating snow and heavy winds expected between Sunday evening and Monday, the focus of City crews will be maintaining traffic on priority routes and assisting in emergency response as requested.

There will be significant impacts to travel, particularly to open areas where blowing snow will present low visibility and the potential for drifting snow. Conditions are expected to change very quickly throughout the storm.

During a snow emergency, having cars clear of the emergency snow routes allows City equipment to be effective and keep roadways open to traffic. For the safety of both staff and public, City crews will not plow roadways they cannot access.

Updates will be provided as the snow arrives and our response begins.

The City of Cedar Rapids posts official notices regarding snow emergencies, snow event timelines, and garbage collection changes on the City's website at CityofCR.com/Snow. These notices are also shared on the City's official social media pages and through CR News Now text, email, and mobile app alerts. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to alerts at CRNewsNow.com and download the City's mobile app, Mobile CR, at CityofCR.com/App to stay up to date with City news and updates.

Snow Emergency in Effect

The City has declared a Snow Emergency, in effect from 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, through Monday, March 16, 2026.

Snow Emergencies are declared in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 61 - Traffic Regulations. When a Snow Emergency is declared:

• Vehicles should not be parked on Emergency Snow Routes.
• • Snow routes are designated with signage and are often found near hospitals, schools, and serve as transit routes and access routes for emergency vehicles.
  • A list and map of Emergency Snow Routes can be found on the City's website.
• Residents and businesses are asked not to push or blow snow from their driveways/parking lots into public streets, as this places an additional burden on City crews trying to clear the roadways.

Snow-Removal Operations

After winter weather conditions clear, it may take up to 12 hours for crews to reach every public street. During heavy or slow-moving storms, crews may need to make multiple passes on the same route before they can move on to the next area of prioritization. The following is how the City prioritizes snow removal efforts:

1. Main arterial streets: Highest traffic volumes and posted Emergency Snow Routes.
2. Collector streets: Connect major sections of the city.
3. Residential streets: Neighborhoods and side streets

Residents may submit concerns regarding access to residential areas through My CR at CityofCR.com/MyCR.

Road Closures Due to Snow

During some snow events, certain streets may need to close due to weather conditions, location, and usage. In these cases, it is more effective to focus snow-removal efforts elsewhere until conditions improve. Alternative routes are available for any closed roads, and the City works to clear access to affected properties and businesses when through traffic is restricted.

Current Related Closures:

• No closures announced at this time.

Garbage & Recycling Collection

Residents may expect the following impacts to their City garbage and recycling collection:

• Monday collection TBA.

For the latest updates, visit CityofCR.com/Garbage. If your cart remains uncollected past the date listed on this page, request a missed pickup through My CR at CityofCR.com/MyCR or call Cedar Rapids Solid Waste & Recycling Customer Service.

Clearing Snow and Ice from Sidewalks

One of our City priorities is to ensure all residents have access to basic needs. In light of this, keeping sidewalks and sidewalk ramps safe and clear of snow is critical to public safety and accessibility so residents can access sidewalks, bus stops, and routes to businesses. It is important to provide a safe, walkable community for all residents, regardless of age and ability. Thanks for doing your part to keep our community safe and accessible.

Snow Event end times are posted in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 9.11 - Clearing Snow and Ice From Sidewalks:

• Property owners have 24 hours after snow or ice accumulation to clear public sidewalks and curb ramps adjacent to their property.
• The City posts official snow event end times at CityofCR.com/Snow to clarify timelines and ensure transparency.
• Each snow event is assessed individually based on factors like wind, temperatures, etc.
• If a new snow event starts during the 24-hour clock, the countdown stops for that storm and a new clock begins after the new snow event ends.

Protect Your Pipes and Water Meter from Freezing

With below-zero temperatures, residents are reminded to take preventative measures to protect their water pipes from freezing:

• Ensure your water meter can be turned off in case of an emergency. Check your shut-off valve by turning it on and off a few times to make sure it is in working order. If the valve is inoperable, contact a plumber to make repairs.
• Eliminate drafts from rooms containing your water meter and/or pipes. Seal cracks from cold air and cover drafty windows with plastic or insulation. Open cabinet doors under sinks to help circulate warm air near pipes.
• Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to cold air drafts with wrap that contains fiberglass or other known insulating materials.
• Cover your meter with a blanket or rug to protect it.
• Protect outdoor faucets/hose bibs by disconnecting hoses and turning off any indoor shut-off valves to those faucets.
• Always keep your home's temperature above 55 degrees, even if you are not home for an extended period.
• If outdoor temperatures fall below 10 degrees, you might leave a thin stream of water running from the tap furthest from your water meter.

Even when protected by an interior heating source, meters and pipes may freeze when exposed to cold air. Customers are responsible for protecting their meters and pipes. Additional information can be found on the City's website.

Safe Driving Tips

Help keep yourself and our crews safe with these tips for winter driving:

• Do not follow plows too closely. During their operation, plows occasionally need to stop and back up.
• Reduce speeds.
• Use caution in turns.
• Avoid sudden moves.
• Accelerate and brake carefully and slowly.
• Leave more room between vehicles.
• Increase your braking distance.