Snow Emergency Declared in Albany Starting Tuesday Evening

URGENT UPDATE: A 48-hour snow emergency will take effect in Albany starting Tuesday at 8 p.m., prompting residents to prepare for significant snowfall. As a preemptive measure, City officials urge all drivers to adhere to new parking regulations during this critical period.

Residents are already feeling the impact, with many up early on Monday attempting to dig out from the previous snowfall. Local resident Rich O’Connor expressed his concerns, stating, “It’s the lesser of two evils. They have to clean the streets, but also what happens with the cars?”

During the initial 24 hours of the snow emergency, all vehicles must be parked on the even-numbered side of the street. On the second day, vehicles are required to switch to the odd-numbered side. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or towing.

City officials, including Mayor Dorcey Applyrs and Frank Zeoli, Deputy Commissioner of General Services, provided clarity on the measures. “A snow emergency in Albany is a post-storm event,” Zeoli explained. “During the storm, we focus on keeping the streets open, especially hospital routes. Once we declare a snow emergency, our focus shifts to pushing back or removing the snow.”

In addition to parking regulations, there are designated snow emergency lots available for residents, including Ridgefield, Krank, Lincoln, and Hackett parks. The mayor also reminded residents of the city policy regarding sidewalk snow removal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe pathways.

This snow emergency is designed to ensure the efficient clearing of streets and to minimize disruption to emergency services and daily commutes. As Albany braces for the winter weather, residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s website and to prepare for the upcoming challenges.

Stay tuned for updates as conditions evolve and the city implements its snow emergency plan. Residents are reminded to check their vehicles and adjust parking accordingly to avoid penalties.