Dec. 6, 2019
Winter is Coming
In the words of one popular TV show, “Winter is Coming,” Newcastle! With last season’s Snowmageddon still fresh on the mind, we’re asking you to prepare yourself now, BEFORE the snow and ice start to accumulate.

Our team learned a lot from the unprecedented string of snow storms that hit our region. Our City maintenance staff’s round-the-clock dedication ensured Newcastle’s major arterials remained passable and safe for our community. We hope we don’t see another event like that anytime soon, but we’re prepared for anything that comes our way. Over the summer, our crew stocked up on supplies such as salt, sand, chains and spare parts to ensure the snow plows can be fixed promptly.

What can you do to help your neighbors and City staff during snow and ice events? Public Works Director Jeff Brauns has a few tips for Newcastle residents:
Winter Weather Tips
  • The No. 1 thing you can do is stay off the roads! Avoid driving if at all possible. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly. If you do have to drive, take the time to familiarize yourself with some winter driving tips. WSDOT has a great list of tips and advice.
  • Bookmark and refer to Newcastle’s snow-and-ice priority map to see which roads get plowed first. The priorities are numbered from one to five, with Priority 1 streets representing major arterial lifeline routes. During snow events, city crews’ first priorities are lifeline routes and roadways that transport large volumes of traffic. Crews try and fit in neighborhood streets as they're able, but not before priority routes are clear.
  • Never abandon your vehicle in the middle of the road during a snow storm. If you absolutely must abandon your vehicle for safety reasons, please move entirely out of traffic lanes and onto the shoulder so that plows and emergency vehicles can pass. Vehicles abandoned on arterial streets may be towed at owner’s expense.
  • If you live on a steep hill, consider moving your vehicle to a location that is more accessible ahead of the storm. Park at the bottom and walk up to your home or cul-de-sac.
  • Stay tuned to the City of Newcastle’s website and social media pages for the latest storm updates. This will be your best resource for news on waste collection delays and/or plowing progress. Bookmark newcastlewa.gov and follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook | Twitter | Nextdoor
  • Have a safe, fun holiday season! Learn more about City snow response and get additional severe weather tips at newcastlewa.gov/weather.
  • Remember, it is the property owners' responsibility to clear snow off the sidewalk, driveway or parking lot in front of your residence or storefront, as Newcastle Public Works Director Jeff Brauns demonstrated during last season's storm. Although shoveling can be challenging, it is effective and does not cause environmental harm. Learn more about preventing pollution if you use de-icer during storms here.
Helpful Links
City of Newcastle |  newcastlewa.gov  

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Content submissions/ideas for the newsletter? Email  christinac@newcastlewa.gov .