READY FOR SNOW
Area expected to see several inches of snow from storm
ALBANY, N.Y. » On Wednesday, Capital Region residents were preparing to deal several more inches of snow by the time the Thursday morning commute rolled around.
Saratoga Springs was supposed to have six inches of snow, while Troy was supposed to get closer to nine more inches by the time the snowfall stopped, the National Weather Service said.
A winter storm warning was scheduled to remain in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday.
The snow was expected to cause difficult traveling conditions in the later afternoon hours Wednesday, with one- to- two inches expected to fall per hour through Wednesday evening.
Saratoga Springs City School District dismissed high school and middle school students at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday and elementary students at 12:30 p.m., while Troy City Schools dismissed elementary schools at 11:05 a.m. and secondary students at 12:15 p.m.
Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco declared a snow emergency for the city, which began Wednesday at 10 a.m. and extends through Friday, March 9 at 10 p.m. Vehicles should be moved to a plowed or cleared space during that time.
“During a significant snowstorm it’s important that vehicles are moved to cleared spaces so that plows are able to clear the roadways,” said Scirocco. “It’s also important to know that this afternoon travel conditions could be difficult, and to be aware that large plows and your DPW employees are working in the roadway during the storm.”
Residents are required by Saratoga Springs City Code Section 225- 57 to move their vehicles to a plowed or cleared area dur-
ing a snow emergency. Vehicles on alternate side parking streets should continue to adhere to the posted signs indicating which sides allow for parking each day, but should move their vehicles to cleared spots on the appropriate side when possible.
Patrick Madden, Troy’s mayor, announced snowstorm preparations in anticipation of the storm.
“Keeping our streets clear and passable is critically important during periods of heavy snowfall,” Madden said. “We ask our residents to take appropriate precautions and limit their travel to allow plow vehicles and City crews to quickly clear snow and ice from roadways.”
Troy’s Department of Public Works and Public Utilities crews coordinated efforts, conducted equipment checks on snow plows and made necessary repairs to ensure effective use of personnel and resources during the storm. The city said they deployed 30 vehicles dedi- cated to snow plowing and cleanup, including a bucket loader and two backhoes, to keep Troy’s approximately 150 miles of roads and alleyways clear.
Troy residents are reminded to remove snow and ice from sidewalks and ramps near their home or business. This will help keep our community accessible for individuals with disabilities, those with small children, and the elderly, a news release said. Sidewalks adjacent to properties must be cleared of snow by 10 a.m. the day following the end of a snowstorm.
Alternate side parking restrictions remain in effect at this time. Troy residents are asked to observe all normally posted parking restrictions in their neighborhood. City- owned parking structures will be available for daytime parking during Wednesday’s storm, including the Firth Avenue garage and State Street garage. City-owned parking garages are also available for overnight parking, the release said.
The City of Rensselaer’s Common Council Meeting and Public Hearing scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday was cancelled and rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8.
In Clifton Park, the town’s highway superintendent, Dahn Bull, released a statement in anticipation of the storm.
“Starting later this afternoon [on Wednesday], we expect a significant increase in the amount and rate of snowfall. This will greatly impact driving conditions, particularly during the commuting hours. During this storm we ask that you reduce travel as much as possible so that our Highway Department can continue to keep our streets clear,” said Bull. “Please do not park your vehicle on any roadways and for a period of forty-hours following the conclusion of this storm. Vehicles parked in the roadway can also create dangerous conditions and can cause problems for our neighbors. Keeping your vehicles parked off the road and reducing travel throughout the storm will help our Department make our roads safe. Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe.”