The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting drier-than-expected conditions for Michigan’s 2024 winter. Although less snow is expected than in prior years, it is still possible that the state will see some levels of snow throughout the winter, potentially leading to a snow emergency. What is a snow emergency and why do snow emergency laws exist?
A snow emergency is a municipality’s active response plan to significant winter weather. When a winter storm affects a municipality, officials may issue a snow emergency via local broadcasting stations, social media, text messaging services, a public address system, and other methods. The snow emergency signals that the streets and roadways within that community must be cleared to make way for snowplows. Conditions upon which municipalities declare a snow emergency vary depending on the issuing municipality.
Snow emergency laws exist to ensure snowplows can properly clear the streets. Public snowplow services are implemented to help drivers and pedestrians navigate the road without excessive snow and ice conditions. Vehicles left in the roadway will likely result in the roadway being encumbered by significant piles of snow.
Although ordinances vary depending upon the municipality, in general, property owners are required to remove snow within a specified time. In addition, the state requires that residents keep snow, ice, and slush that they shoveled or plowed from their property off the roadway or the shoulder of the roadway.
The attorneys at O’Reilly Rancilio are available to assist municipalities, business owners, and individuals with questions regarding snow removal, local ordinances, and personal injury law. For more information, please call 586-726-1000 or visit our website.
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