For the latest winter weather updates, follow the City of Newcastle on our social media accounts.
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NWS Issues Winter Storm Watch
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On Saturday, Jan. 11, the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Newcastle area. The watch, in effect from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night, means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
NWS forecasters say a trace to 2 inches of snowfall is possible. Higher amounts could materialize, up to 4 inches, if heavier showers develop. Newcastle staff members are closely monitoring the weather forecast, with City crews scheduled to report on Sunday, should conditions warrant.
In December we sent out a Winter Weather Bulletin. With snow on the horizon, we're sending out a reminder (with a few updates). Please read below for FAQs about Newcastle's winter storm response.
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How does the City respond to snow and ice events?
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Newcastle uses a snow-and-ice priority map to determine which roads get plowed first. View it at
newcastlewa.gov/snowmap
(we recommend bookmarking this for future reference). The priorities are numbered from one to five, with Priority 1 streets representing major arterial lifeline routes. We've added a Priority 5, which represents mostly local streets with steep hills.
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.
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What if the snow plows missed my street?
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Please DO NOT use YourGov, social media or call or email City Hall/Public Works staff, to report that your street has not been plowed.
Our crews will work as quickly and as safely as they can to reach your neighborhood. As we focus our energy on plow operations our staff is not able to respond to plowing requests. We must work on priority routes first and then move on to the neighborhood hills and arterials. When snow continues to fall, plows will not be available to clear local residential and less-traveled roads, as they must continue working to ensure major roads and transit routes are clear.
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Why doesn't the City de-ice and plow all streets, specifically secondary and residential streets?
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Newcastle has several miles to cover and limited resources, including snow plows (four total), storage capacity for materials (de-icer, sand, and salt) to treat surfaces, and maintenance personnel (our small, but mighty, six-team staff trades 12-hour shifts during the busiest events to ensure the streets are maintained). Our priorities have to focus on ensuring accessibility for lifelines, main arterials and thoroughfares and main connector streets. We do not plow or de-ice private roads or driveways.
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Who is responsible for clearing snow on my sidewalk?
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It is the property owners' responsibility to clear snow off the sidewalk, driveway or parking lot in front of your residence or storefront (See
Newcastle Municipal Code Chapter 12.70
). Thanks for doing your part to help keep walkways clear for our community!
Snow removal and de-icing are essential for safe vehicle and pedestrian travel throughout Newcastle, however de-icing can pollute our creeks and lakes if it is not done properly. The best way to remove snow and ice from privately owned sidewalks, driveways and parking lots is by physical means like shoveling and snow blowing. Although shoveling can be challenging, it is effective and does not cause environmental harm.
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Why do plows cover my sidewalk with snow after I just shoveled it?
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This is an unfortunate side effect of plowing. When snow plowing takes place, snow is not removed but rather pushed to the side of the road. Drivers will make every effort to avoid plowing snow onto sidewalks or driveways. However, there may be times that this cannot be avoided and sidewalks or driveways may become blocked. It is the property owner's responsibility to clear the snow. Please do not put the snow back in the street.
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What can I do to help during snow and ice storms?
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- First, please avoid driving if it's at all possible.
- If you do have to drive, take a moment to familiarize yourself with some winter driving tips. Read WSDOT's great list of tips and advice here.
- If there's space, please park all vehicles in your driveway or garage to keep roads clear for the snow plows.
- 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.
- If you find yourself behind a snowplow, slow down and give the plow a little extra room.
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How can I stay informed during snow events?
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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
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Twitter
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Nextdoor
Bookmark these links:
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The Newcastle email newsletter is published before every City Council meeting. Learn more about the newsletter, see an archive of past newsletters and sign up to receive it at
newcastlewa.gov/newsletters
.
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