Snow In Arlington: What You Need To Know

ARLINGTON, MA – Forecasts are calling for as much as one to two feet of snow this weekend in Massachusetts. Here's what you need to know before the storm hits Arlington. We'll update this story with cancellations as we hear of them, but, in the meantime, keep the following in mind (all info courtesy of the town of Arlington website):

Town Bylaws Regarding Snow & Ice Removal
The bylaws require residents and businesses to remove snow and ice from any sidewalks abutting their property following a storm. Residents should remove snow and ice from abutting paved sidewalks within eight hours between sunrise and sunset after a storm, businesses and owners of any residential property utilized for apartment house or multi unit condominium use that abuts a paved sidewalk have three hours. Please don’t forget to cut a path to the street if you live on a corner. It is also prohibited to move snow into the roadway. Failure to comply with these bylaws can result in a fine of $25 to $50 per day.

Parked Cars in Roadway
Cars parked in roadways during snow removal operations can impede removal progress. Residents are encouraged to park their vehicles off-street during these events so Public Works can complete the task more efficiently and with better results.

Adopt a Fire Hydrant
The Arlington Fire Department asks residents and business owners to adopt a fire hydrant in their neighborhood. When it snows, take the time to shovel around it as well as to it. A clear hydrant expedites their deployment in the event of an emergency.

Adopt a Catch Basin
There are over 3,000 catch basins in Arlington. While the Arlington Department of Public Works regularly schedules and completes catch basin cleanings, it is not possible to clear every catch basin grate prior to a storm event. Monitoring of the catch basin is recommended throughout the fall, winter, and before/during a storm event as additional debris may clog the grates. Blocked catch basins prevents water from properly entering the Town's drainage system and increases the risk of street flooding.

Secure Trash & Recycling at Curb
Trash, recycling, and yard waste containers should be on the curb and secured in a manner to prevent them from going into the roadway and impeding snow removal operations. Bylaws require that waste be placed for collection at the curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the evening before scheduled collection. Items buried in snow will not be collected and if left out on the curb after your collection day may be subject to a fine. Storm conditions may require some extra planning on when to bring out your items. Please plan accordingly.

Other ways to help include: clearing any catch basins near your property and assisting neighbors who may need extra help with snow removal. The LINKS program serves many seniors in Town, but cannot serve them all.

Important Phone Numbers
Residents are reminded of the following important phone numbers and recommend you print, or otherwise make available offline should you lose power:

- Report downed electrical wires: call 911 and Eversource at 1-800-592-2000.
- Report a power outage to Eversource at 1-800-592-2000 or at eversource.com.
- Report a downed street tree or limb to DPW dispatch at 781-316-3301.

Be Alerted of Snow Emergencies/Parking Bans
When a snow emergency/parking ban it put into place, the Town will send a notification via Arlington Alerts (phone, text, and email), Town Notices (regular email list), on its social media channels (Facebook and Twitter), and the Town’s website. If you are not subscribed to these services you can do so in the Communications Center at arlingtonma.gov/subscriber.

School closing notifications are posted at http://www.arlington.k12.ma.us/home/

Related: MA Weather: 1 to 2 Feet Of Snow Expected This Weekend

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