Plow Shortages May Extend Salem Snow Removal Efforts

SALEM, MA — Salem officials are asking for snow-removal patience amid plow shortages after about 10 inches of snow blanketed the city on Friday.

The city said the public services department and its contractors began snow removal early Friday morning and will continue throughout the day, but that the coronavirus-related plow shortages could extend snow-removal efforts into the weekend.

"Please be aware that like many employers, the city is currently down personnel due to COVID-19;" city officials said. "This means that it will take longer than normal to clear roadways.

"Please be patient and know that all streets will be plowed, however, it may take more time than customary to get to them."

Officials ask that in the meantime residents remove snow from sidewalks and from around fire hydrants near their property.

"Given the amount of snow, colder temperatures, and limited plowing personnel, the city expects clean-up to continue through the day and into the weekend," officials said late Friday morning. "An end time for the current parking ban has not been set yet."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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