The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area beginning at midnight tonight through 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 14, with up to two inches of snow forecasted. As always, the City of College Park is prepared to respond quickly and safely.

Our Top Priority: Public Safety

During snow events, public safety comes first. The City’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is staffed around the clock during snow emergencies to clear 55 miles of City streets, along with sidewalks, bus stops, crosswalks, and key pedestrian routes.

Snow and ice removal are considered emergency operations and take precedence over other Public Works activities. Our goal is to restore safe travel as quickly and efficiently as possible for emergency crews, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

How the City’s Snow Plan Works

The City’s snow plan goes into effect upon the order of the City Manager or the Director of Public Works and includes two phases:

Alert Phase

  • Crews may pre-treat designated streets with salt brine to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.

Operation Phase

  • Snow or icy precipitation requiring roadway treatment is considered an emergency.
  • Crews are dispatched to predetermined routes.
  • Salting typically begins at the onset of precipitation, depending on pavement temperature and forecasts.
  • Plowing begins once snow or slush accumulates.
  • Initially, one lane is plowed on all streets, followed by widening as conditions allow.
  • Streets are plowed curb-to-curb as weather and safety permit.
  • Crews also clear sidewalks, bus stops, RRFB crosswalks, and the Trolley Trail.
  • Snow and ice removal follows established priorities throughout the City.

How Residents Can Help

You can help crews do their jobs more efficiently by taking a few important steps:

  • Move parked cars off the street whenever possible so plows can clear snow to the curb.
  • If off-street parking isn’t available, park as close to the curb as possible.
  • Be patient with driveway entrances. Snow may accumulate during plowing as crews make multiple passes. The best way to reduce extra shoveling is to wait until plowing is complete before clearing driveway entrances.
  • When shoveling, pile snow to the right side of your driveway (facing the street).
  • Do not shovel snow back into the street after it has been plowed.
  • After plowing is complete, please clear sidewalks, storm drains, and fire hydrants in front of your property.
  • Above all, have patience. Crews work around the clock and will reach every street.

Trash & Recycling During Snow Events

Please continue to set out refuse and recycling carts on your regularly scheduled collection day. Collections may occur later than usual or be delayed by a day depending on conditions.

Stay Informed

Updates will be shared on the City’s website and on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
You can also receive text alerts by texting CPALERTS to 38276.

Cold Weather Reminder: Water Main Breaks

As temperatures drop, the risk of water main breaks increases. If you notice one, please report it immediately to WSSC Water at 301-206-4002 and have the exact address available when you call.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work to keep College Park safe during winter weather. Stay warm and stay safe.