A winter storm watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon for Akron and much of Northeast Ohio, as forecasters warn heavy snow and hazardous travel conditions could impact the area this weekend.
As the storm approaches, residents once again have access to Akron’s snow plow tracker, an online tool that allows users to see plowing activity and request service for their streets.
How much snow are we getting in Akron, Ohio?
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service say more than 6 inches of snow is possible, with the heaviest snowfall expected Sunday and travel likely to be difficult. Sub-zero wind chills are also forecast at times, making safe driving and timely plowing even more critical.
That’s where the city’s snow plow tracker and dashboard come in.
The interactive tool gives residents near-real-time updates on winter response efforts across the city. Features for the snowplow tracker website and app include the city’s snow and ice plan, response levels, street priorities as well as parking ban information.
The site lets residents know the last time a truck has been on their street. It also allows residents to see if their street has been pretreated prior to a winter weather event and see where crews are focusing their response, should any winter weather arise.
The dashboard also explains various response levels the city may be in depending on the severity of the weather. Response levels are determined based on safety, climate conditions, equipment, materials and personnel availability, according to the city’s snow plan.
What roads in Akron get snow plowed first?
First-priority streets include expressways, arterial streets and Metro RTA bus routes, while second- and third-priority streets focus on residential and public streets that are traveled less frequently.
Residents can request plowing or salting services through the snow plow tracker app, by calling 311 or by using the city’s MyAkron311 app, which can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron snow plow tracker active as Winter Storm Fern threatens
Reporting by Anthony Thompson, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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