Snow In Wilmington: What You Need To Know

WILMINGTON, MA -- The snow forecast for later Friday afternoon and into the evening isn't expected to mount to much, but it could. And given that it's still technically autumn and we've already broken out the shovels, it seems more like a matter of "when" and not "if" we'll get the big one this winter.

With more than 115 miles of roadways to clear during a storm, the town prioritizes its snow removal efforts to make sure major roadways and public safety facilities, secondary and side streets and school parking lots get cleared in a timely manner. The town sent out its updated snow brochure today. We've summarized the key points below:

• Wilmington enforces an overnight parking ban that is in effect between 1 AM and 6 AM from December 1st to April 1st each year, regardless of weather conditions. Also, there is no on -street parking during snow plow operations. If it snows after April 1st, the parking ban goes back into effect.
• The DPW will repair or replace mailboxes if the box is damaged as a result of direct contact with the snowplow. Please report the damage to DPW at 978 -658 -4481 as soon as possible.
• Town crews will plow sidewalks along central routes that are heavily traveled by children on their way to and from school. These sidewalks are not plowed until all road clearing operations are completed.
• Business owners are responsible by Town Bylaw to keep the sidewalks adjoining the premises clear of snow and ice.
• Residential trash and recycling collection will only be postponed during the most severe storm events. When it is deemed necessary to postpone trash and recycling collection, the Town will utilize our automated call system and will also post the notice to the Town website. Many residents opt to shovel out a separate area for their trash barrels, to ensure they stay close to the roadway but outside of the path of traffic.
• Shoveling, plowing or blowing snow back into the street when clearing driveway s and sidewalks is prohibited by Town ordinance. Violators will be fined by the Wilmington Police Department.
• The DPW needs your help to remove snow from hydrants and catch basins after a snow storm. Because all DPW crews assist with snow and ice operations, they may be unable to remove snow from hydrants and catch basins for several days to a week after a storm.

For complete information on Wilmington snow operations, read the full brochure.

As for this afternoon's expected snow, the brief burst of snow will make for a slippery end to your work week. While some forecasts are calling for snow to begin falling as late as 7-8 p.m., others have it coming as early as 5.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).