Politics & Government

City Issues Blizzard, Parking Warning

Residents reminded to move their vehicles off the major streets until at least Thursday.

Lakewood — like much of Northeast Ohio — was spared from heavy snowstorms last winter.

Looks like Mother Nature is starting to play catch up.

The snowstorm sweeping across Ohio prompted Lakewood officials to warn residents about driving — and parking — in the city limits during the next couple days.

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Capt. Gary Stone said that, as of Wednesday afternoon, there were no reported crashes, but he said he’s keeping his fingers crossed.

“Usually in the first storm of the season, there are a few people who think the pavement is dry and it’s 60 degrees,” he said. “Fortunately, there are a lot of people not working this week. 

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Official at Lakewood City Hall issued a statement, warning residents to use caution — and to be mindful of where they park their vehicles. 

At 4 inches of snow, the city issues an emergency snow-parking ban on the major streets in the city so that city trucks are able to plow and salt the roads.

“If you’re parked on the street, we’ll start issuing tickets,” said Mayor Michael Summers. “And then, we’ll have to begin towing — and we’d really rather not do that.” 

The east/west streets include Lake, Clifton, Detroit, Delaware, Athens and Lakewood Heights, while the north/south streets include W. 117th, Bunts, Warren and Riverside.

Should the snow exceed 8 inches, Summers said he’d consider a parking ban on all city streets.

“We’re out salting and beginning to plow, and we’ll be out plowing throughout the night,” he said. 

The blizzard warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday. 

“We really can’t make headway until it stops snowing. We’ll keep trying to smack it back until it stops snow tomorrow.”

In the meantime, Capt. Stone said that if residents must drive, using caution is the way to go.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to get through this,” he said. 

Got snow? Upload your photos to the Lakewood Patch Pics and Clips page.


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