Unique weather calls for a unique cleanup solution. Due to the heavy nature of last night’s snowfall and the expected drop in temperatures, the City of Royal Oak will begin plowing residential streets at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The Department of Public Services is asking for vehicles to be removed from streets.
Is a snow emergency being declared?
No. A snow emergency is generally called for 4” or more of snow. All vehicles must be removed from roads and streets during the duration of the emergency to allow plows to clear streets from curb to curb. Vehicles left on streets are subject to ticketing or towing.
In this case, City isn’t mandating that vehicles be moved—but we are asking for our residents’ cooperation. The fewer vehicles that remain on streets, the safer and easier it will be for plow drivers and the cleaner the streets will be.
If there’s no snow emergency, why are the residential streets being plowed?
Last night’s wet, heavy snowfall made for some problematic conditions. If the temperatures were expected to stay above freezing, we would simply allow it to melt. However, the National Weather Service is predicting a temperature drop this afternoon, with highs in the 20s for the next six days. This will cause wet snow to freeze, making residential streets difficult to navigate for the next week. DPS has decided to plow to ensure that streets remain passable and school buses and emergency vehicles are able to navigate our neighborhoods safely.
What about non-residential roads?
- Priority One streets—major arterial streets such as 12 Mile Rd.—have already been plowed.
- Priority Two streets—connector streets, fire/EMS routes, and school areas—are being plowed now, with an expected completion of 12:00 noon.
What do I do if the plows leave snow piles at my driveway/curb?
This is a likely scenario, and we’re truly sorry. Our plow trucks are designed to push large amounts of snow quickly and efficiently, which can lead to snow at the bottoms of driveways. Now is the time to make a plan: hire a snow removal service, ask a neighbor with a snowblower, or prepare to shovel soon after plows come through, before snow freezes.
What about the leaves?
Again, this is an unusual fall and an unusual weather situation. DPS confirms that plow drivers will do their absolute best to avoid leaf piles where possible.