(This story was updated to add new information.)
A winter storm brought heavy snow to Iowa starting in the afternoon on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Ultimately, the winter storm dumped more than 15 inches of snow in some parts of the state, and 4-8 inches of snow in central Iowa.
More than a half a dozen cities in the Des Moines metro have issued snow parking ordinances beginning Thursday. Here is a look at each city that has issued an ordinance and the specific parking rules in place.
Where can I park in Des Moines during a snow ordinance?
Des Moines is playing host to the boys state wrestling tournament as the winter storm moves into the city.
The city’s snow ordinance will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. At that time, no parking will be allowed on the city’s designated snow routes.
Some neighborhoods with limited off-street parking have “odd/even” signage, meaning drivers must park on the respective odd or even side depending on the calendar date. Those restrictions will be in place for Friday and Saturday.
If you don’t see “odd/even” or “snow route” signage, you’re on a residential street. Restrictions can overlap, but residents are encouraged not to park on the street during snowfall so the street can be cleared curb to curb.
Fortunately for wrestling fans, there are no weather-related parking restrictions in downtown Des Moines during normal snowplow operations. If you park at a meter during snow removal, though, your car may get plowed in by city snowplows.
Where can’t I park in Altoona during a snow ordinance?
A snow removal parking ban is in effect in Altoona beginning at 6:00 p.m. Thursday and will remain in effect “until the roadways are cleared of snow,” according to the city’s website.
Cars should not be parked on any Altoona city street to allow for adequate snow removal by Altoona city crews.
Where can’t I park in Ames during a snow ordinance?
The city of Ames snow ordinance also goes into effect at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19. The ordinance is expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, but may vary depending on plowing conditions, said Susan Gwiasda, Ames’ communications and outreach manager.
Snow routes in Ames are marked with red-and-white signs. Vehicles parked on designated snow routes must be moved during this time.
Where can’t I park in Ankeny during a snow ordinance?
The snow ordinance is in effect in Ankeny from 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 until 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, according to the city’s website.
Parking is banned on all public streets, alleys and in on-street parking stalls during the snow ordinance. Parking is also prohibited in The District at Prairie Trail and Uptown Business District from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Where can’t I park in Clive during a snow ordinance?
The city of Clive has activated its snow ordinance. Parking is prohibited on city streets until roads are plowed curb to curb or 48 hours after the end of snowfall.
Where can’t I park in Grimes during a snow ordinance?
“A snow ordinance for the city of Grimes will go into effect at 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, and remain in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20,” said Grimes Marketing and Communications manager Whitney Tucker. “No parking is allowed on city streets during the snow ordinance. Public Works crews will be clearing the streets during this time.
Where can’t I park in Indianola during a snow ordinance?
The city of Indianola has issued an emergency parking ban beginning on Thursday at 6 p.m. The ban remains in place for 48 hours after the snow stops falling, or is otherwise lifted.
Vehicles in violation are subject to a $35 parking ticket and/or being towed.
Indianola’s city code prohibits parking on any public street or alley during a snow emergency parking ban.
Where can’t I park in Johnston during a snow ordinance?
Johnston’s snow ordinance will go into effect at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, and last until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, said Janet Wilwerding, the city’s communications director.
Vehicles must be moved off all city streets during the snow ordinance.
Where can’t I park in Norwalk during a snow ordinance?
The city of Norwalk’s snow ordinance begins at 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 and will last until further notice. All vehicles must be removed from the streets during the ordinance.
Where can’t I park in Pleasant Hill during the emergency parking ban?
Pleasant Hill’s emergency parking ban will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, and lasts until 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. The ban applies to all streets in the city and includes a $50 fine if violated.
Where can’t I park in Urbandale during a snow ordinance?
Urbandale’s snow parking ordinance starts at 7 p.m. Thursday and will stay in place until the snow stops and crews finish plowing the streets. During this time, all vehicles must be moved off the street, according to the city.
If a vehicle is not removed from the street, it may be ticketed or towed. The cost of a snow ordinance ticket is $35.
Where can’t I park in Waukee during a snow ordinance?
Waukee’s snow parking ordinance starts at 8 p.m Thursday and runs till 12 p.m. Friday.
“Do not park your car on the street during the ban,”Waukee’s website warned. “Vehicles remaining on city streets are subject to a $25 fine and/or towing.”
Where can’t I park in Windsor Heights during a snow ordinance?
Parking on city streets is banned in Windsor Heights during any snowfall and for 24 hours after the end of any snowfall.
Where can’t I park in West Des Moines during a snow ordinance?
A parking ban is in effect in West Des Moines from 8 p.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. The ban applies to all streets in West Des Moines, and cars not off the streets are subject to a $50 ticket or being towed
Iowa weather radar: Track incoming rain and snow
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: As winter storm hits Des Moines, which metro cities have parking bans?
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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