Snow Emergency Declared In Rockville, Vehicles Must Be Moved

ROCKVILLE, MD — The City of Rockville has declared a snow emergency ahead of a winter storm that's expected to bring sleet, freezing rain, and up to 8 inches of snow to the region.

The emergency declaration requires that all vehicles be removed from roads within the city, including neighborhood streets, at 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

To check whether an address is within the city limits, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/maps. For updates on city program cancellations or delays, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/weather_closings.

Officials say vehicles should be parked in garages and driveways whenever possible, so crews can clear snow from the streets. If that isn't a possibility, vehicles should be parked on the even-numbered side of the street. In courts or cul-de-sacs, parking is only allowed on the left side of the street (as one enters the cul-de-sac or court).

To help get as many vehicles off the street as possible, city-owned parking lots will be open for residents to park their vehicles at the following locations:

• Rockville Civic Center main mansion lot, 603 Edmonston Drive
• Woodley Gardens Park, 900 Nelson St.
• Welsh Park (Mannakee Street side only), at the corner of Martins Lane and Mannakee Street
• Elwood Smith Community Center, 601 Harrington Rd.

Vehicles illegally parked may be towed and/or ticketed.

Emergency Preparedness

Per city officials:

Rockville requires that snow be removed from sidewalks, steps, driveways, parking spaces, and similar paved areas for public use within 24 hours after a snowfall of up to three inches, within 48 hours after a snowfall of three to 10 inches, and within 72 hours after a snowfall of more than 10 inches.

Residents are asked to remove snow from around fire hydrants so that fire crews will have easier access to the hydrants in an emergency. Ice and snow should also be cleared from around storm drains. Avoid shoveling snow into the street when possible.

Residents also are encouraged to check on older neighbors who may need assistance clearing snow. Rockville seniors in need of snow removal assistance may request help by calling 240-314-8819 or 240-314-8810.