From the City of Erie:
The City of Erie continues to operate under an Emergency Disaster Declaration. City Crews are working hard around the clock to plow the 4 feet of heavy, wet snow that blanketed the City. The Erie Police Department (EPD) and tow trucks have been working to clear the 254 vehicles that have been blocking intersections and streets, slowing the progress of City plows. We want to thank the residents who have helped with removing their vehicles. There are still 45 vehicles that are preventing some streets from being cleared. This takes a lot of time because the tow trucks and plows keep getting stuck as well. Given that equipment that was promised overnight did not arrive, there are still several areas that have not been plowed, but City crews are working on getting everywhere.
As a result of the volume and type of snow, the delay in equipment arrival, and abandoned cars still blocking streets, trash and recycling pick-up (including large item pick-up) is suspended in the City of Erie until further notice.
Today and tomorrow, EPD is focusing on removing the cars on the 45 roads throughout the city so snowplows can get through as well as those on the Snow Emergency Routes. Refuse workers are assisting the Bureau of Streets and the City Garage. And we now have two graders that are assisting with rutted streets. Trash service is expected to start again on Sunday, pending further significant weather that could hamper clean-up efforts.
We ask residents to please make every effort to abide by odd/even parking in posted areas. We understand that in some cases this may be difficult due to the volume of snow. Given that not enough spaces are opened up yet, we will not be ticketing or towing yet, but where Streets Crews were able to open up parking spaces, we need people to move their cars to the appropriate side of the street so they can continue to work on clearing the rest of the snow.
Due to the pressing business needs of the City, the City Council meeting Wednesday, December 4, at 9 a.m. is still taking place at City Hall, however City Hall will be closed to the public following the 11 a.m. City Council Budget Study Session. Only essential City Hall employees will be reporting to work on Wednesday, December 4. Employees that are able to will continue to work remotely to allow City Streets Crews to continue to clear pathways.
Please continue to shelter in place, if possible. And if you must go out, please use caution on slippery roadways as crews work diligently to clear city streets.
For life-or-death emergencies, please call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs such as a non-functioning furnace, wellness checks, elderly or disabled individuals that need help digging out, dangerous snow buildup on roofs, etc., residents are encouraged to contact 211, the United Way’s resource hotline. Thank you for your cooperation, patience and understanding. Please stay safe and warm.
From the County of Erie:
ERIE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO REMAIN CLOSED, COURTS TO OPEN ON LIMITED BASIS.
Due to the City of Erie’s ongoing efforts to clear heavy lake-effect snow from downtown streets, all Erie County departments under the administration will remain CLOSED for an additional day. These offices are tenitively scheduled to reopen on Thursday, 12/5/24.
Additionally, all Erie County Public Library branches will remain closed on Wednesday, 12/4/24, due to the adverse weather conditions.
The following departments will be OPEN tomorrow, Wednesday, 12/4/24
- Erie County Prison
- Erie County Public Safety
- Erie County Court of Common Pleas (including Magisterial District
Justices, operating on a limited basis throughout the week) - Erie County Sheriff’s Department
- Erie County Office of Children and Youth (operating remotely)
Erie County officials continue to monitor the situation and prioritize safety as efforts to clear snow continue.
