Snow emergency in Medford starting Sunday morning

The city is getting a jump on the pending storm calling for a snow emergency beginning Sunday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.

The National Weather Service is forecasting 8–15 inches of snow for the area with the heaviest snowfall expected Sunday evening into early Monday.

What does that mean for parking?

Parking rules for the snow emergency are as follows:

• Secondary roads: Parking allowed on the odd side only (unless exempt). Vehicles parked on the even side will be ticketed and towed.

• Main arterial streets: No parking on either side at any time. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed.

• Residents who live on main arterials may park on secondary roads, including permit-only streets, as permit restrictions are temporarily lifted.

What are the main arterial streets?
Boston Ave, Central Ave, College Ave (George St–Boston Ave), Forest St, Fulton St, George St, Governors Ave, Grove St, Hancock St, Harvard Ave, Harvard St, High St, Lawrence Rd, Main St, Medford St, Mystic Ave (Main St–Crescent St), Playstead Rd, Riverside Ave, Salem St, Spring St, Washington St, Webster St, Willis Ave, Winthrop St, Woburn St

 State Roads where city doesn't enforce parking include:
Fellsway, Fellsway West, Route 16 / Mystic Valley Parkway, Elm St, Highland Ave, South Border Rd, East Border Rd, Woodland Rd, Mystic River Rd

City officials ask residents to avoid traveling on Sunday if they can.

"If you must be on the road, drive slowly and use extreme caution," reads a press release from city officials. "Visibility can change quickly during heavy snow. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, give yourself extra time to get where you’re going, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Use extra care on hills and when turning, and make sure your vehicle is properly winterized and in good working order."

To see a list of exempted streets and information on the towing company, should your vehicle be towed go to https://www.medfordma.org/for-residents/snow.

Another concern

If the snow wasn't inconvenient enough, freezing temperature are also on tap for the weekend, which could lead to frozen pipes. The Medford Water Department recommends taking action now to prevent that from happening as frozen pipes could burst and cause a lot of damage to your home.

The following tips can reduce the risk of frozen pipes: 
·       Drip cold water from faucets slowly - moving water is less likely to freeze. 

·       Open cabinet doors under faucets.

·       Insulate exposed pipes in cold areas.

·       Disconnect hoses from outside faucets.

·       Maintain heat by keeping thermostats at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If need be, the city will also have warming centers available at:

·       Medford Senior Center (101 Riverside Avenue): Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

·       Medford Public Library (111 High Street): Open 9 a.m. -9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. -6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

·       Medford Police Department Community Room (100 Main Street): Open 24/7

For more cold weather safety tips and resources go to https://www.medfordma.org/for-residents/cold-weather-safety-tips