Minneapolis declares Snow Emergency

City of Minneapolis sent this bulletin at 03/14/2026 04:31 PM CDT

Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw

Ward 4 News from Council Member LeTrisha Vetaw

3/14/2026

Hi neighbors,

As we prepare for the approaching winter weather, I want to take a moment to share some information and encourage everyone to look out for one another. Severe winter conditions can impact travel, utilities, and daily routines, but North Minneapolis has always shown how strong our community is when we support each other.

Many of us are used to Minnesota winters and sometimes push weather warnings aside, thinking we’ve seen it all before. But storms can change quickly, and it’s always better to take a few minutes to prepare now than to be caught off guard later. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping you, your family, and your neighbors safe.

City crews are monitoring conditions and preparing to respond, but there are also a few simple steps we can all take to help keep our neighborhoods safe and connected during the storm.

A few ways to prepare and support one another:

Stay informed
• Monitor local weather updates and City alerts.
• Watch for official City of Minneapolis communications regarding snow emergency declarations and parking rules.

Check in with neighbors
• Reach out to elderly neighbors, people living alone, or anyone who may need help preparing.
• A quick text, knock on the door, or phone call can make a big difference.

Prepare your home
• Make sure you have basic supplies like food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
• Charge phones and devices ahead of the storm.
• Clear snow and ice safely from walkways, sidewalks, and around fire hydrants if you are able.

Plan ahead for travel
• Limit unnecessary travel during severe weather.
• Give plows space to work and follow posted snow emergency parking rules.

Stay connected as a community
• Share updates and resources through block clubs and neighborhood group chats.
• If you see someone who may need help shoveling or getting supplies, consider lending a hand if it’s safe to do so.

North Minneapolis has always been strongest when we take care of each other. Small acts of kindness helping clear a sidewalk, checking in on a neighbor, or sharing information help ensure everyone stays safe during challenging weather.

My office will continue to share updates and resources as conditions develop. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns or need help connecting to City services.

Stay safe, stay warm, and please take care of each other.

With appreciation,

Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw

Minneapolis declares Snow Emergency

After consulting with operational staff and public safety officials, the City of Minneapolis has declared a Snow Emergency. The National Weather Service expects up to two inches of snow to fall per hour starting tonight with “high confidence” in dangerous to impossible travel conditions through Sunday.

Snow Emergency parking rules will take effect beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday so crews can continue their work and plow more than 1,000 miles of streets as wide as possible.

Expanding Parking Options

The City aims to provide open, drivable streets by plowing and clearing snow. To do this, residents need to follow snow emergency parking rules. These rules help plows in clearing the streets so emergency vehicles and other traffic have accessible routes. Plowing requires vehicles parked on streets to move or risk getting tickets and/or a $200 tow. In anticipation of the storm, the City of Minneapolis has opened more than 700 spaces of free parking in two lots:

Farmer’s Market lot - 225 East Lyndale Ave. N

Fourth Street North lot - 601 N 4th St.

Residents will be able to park in these lots starting 2 p.m. Saturday until 8 p.m. Wednesday

Approximately 3,500 parking spaces will also open in Parking Ramp A starting Sunday, March 15, at 6 a.m. through Tuesday, March 17, at 6 a.m. Parking will cost $1 upon entry. All vehicles that enter during that time frame will not have any additional charges as long as they leave by 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Snow Emergency Parking Rules

Parking rules last for three days after a Snow Emergency is declared:

9 p.m. Sunday, March 15, to 8 a.m. Monday, March 16 (Day 1) Do not park on EITHER side of a Snow Emergency route until 8 a.m., or the street is fully plowed.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, March 16 (Day 2) Do not park on the EVEN numbered side of a non-Snow Emergency route until 8 p.m., or that side of the street is fully plowed, or on EITHER side of a parkway until 8 p.m., or the parkway is fully plowed.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17th (Day 3) Do not park on the ODD numbered side of a non-Snow Emergency route until 8 p.m., or that side of the street is fully plowed.

A map of which streets are Snow Emergency routes can be found on the city’s website.

During a snow emergency, the City may tag and tow cars to the impound lot if they're illegally parked. A standard tow charge is $222. Only a portion of the amount of a ticket comes back to the City. These funds support the snowplowing budget. Snow emergency parking citations are also issued by the authority of Hennepin County.

Sign up now, stay informed throughout the season

Residents, workers and visitors have several ways to learn when Snow Emergencies are declared and what to do when they are. City leaders recommend signing up for at least two types of alerts:

Text MPLSAlerts to 77295 or create a full Smart911 profile online to sign up for alerts.
Check the City of Minneapolis website - If the City declares a snow emergency, a banner will be at the top of every page with an announcement.
Call the snow emergency hotline – The automated hotline can be reached at 612-348-SNOW (7669). If a Snow Emergency is in effect, the hotline will have information on that day’s parking restrictions that drivers need to follow to avoid tickets and tows. The hotline includes information in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.

Get the snow emergency app

Check our social media pages

Call 311

Watch local TV or radio

Remember to clear sidewalks and around your garbage carts

Sidewalks are a critical part of our city’s transportation system, and they should be open for everyone. That’s why Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall for houses and duplexes, and four daytime hours for all other properties. Failure to shovel your walk could lead to a bill to pay for the cost of crews shoveling it. The City also provides free sand to residents at several locations. After clearing sidewalks, spreading sand helps to provide traction. It also helps hard-packed snow or ice melt faster.

La Ciudad de Minneapolis ha declarado una Emergencia por Nevada. Las restricciones de estacionamiento comienzan a las nueve de la noche de hoy. Llame al (612) 348-7669 y pulse 2.

Minneapolis waxay ku dhawaaqday gurmad baraf. Xaddidaadda dhigashada baabuurta waxay bilaabaneysaa caawa 9ka fiidnimo. Fadlan wac (612) 348-7669.

Lub nroog Minneapolis tau muaj kev txwv nre tsheb hnub no vim muaj daus los loj heev. Kev txwv nre tsheb yuav pib thaum 9 teev tsua ntuj hmo no. Yog xav paub ntxiv no hu mus rau 612-348-7669.

Contact Ward 4

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward4
Email: latrisha.vetaw@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2204

City Hall
350 S. Fifth St., Room 370
Minneapolis, MN 55415

For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. Para ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.