GRAY, MAINE – We’re following the weather and will provide updates, including information about where to park, should the city call for a citywide “snow emergency.” Normally the city’s winter parking restrictions kick in on Dec. 1, but it appears we’re about to get a plowable snow event, according to the weather service, so be prepared.
The National Weather Service has issued the following winter weather advisory update for the greater Manchester area in advance of a coastal storm expected to move into the area Nov. 15.
A coastal low will move rapidly northeast and track near the Gulf of Maine Thursday night into Friday, bringing heavy snow to the northern two-thirds of the area. Closer to the coast and inland, freezing drizzle and rain will mix in with the snow, bringing the snowfall totals down. The storm will move away quickly by Friday evening.
Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Nov. 15 until 1 p.m. Nov. 16.
What to expect: Mixed precipitation including ice may result in difficult travel conditions, particularly during the Friday morning commute. Total snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches, with localized amounts up to 8 inches, and ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are expected.
Where: Portions of,central and southern New Hampshire and southwest Maine.
When: From 7 p.m. Thursday through 1 p.m. Friday.
Additional details: Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times.
A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility, and use caution while driving. For a more precise forecast for your specific location go to www.weather.gov/gray.
Sign up to be notified in the event of a citywide Snow Emergency.
⇒Sign up for Snow Emergency Notifications: 
To facilitate snow removal and emergency vehicle access, special parking restrictions are in effect from December 1 through April 15, and at any time of the year when a
Snow Emergency is declared.
Overnight Odd/Even Parking Restrictions
The City of Manchester’s overnight winter on-street, odd/even parking ban goes into effect on the morning of December 1st at 1:00 AM, and will run through April 15th. Please note the following rules:
- Where parking is normally allowed on both sides of the street, parking is permitted only on the even-numbered side of the street during even-numbered months (i.e., December and February) and only on the odd-numbered side of the street during odd-numbered months (i.e., January and March)
- Where parking is normally allowed only on one side of the street, parking continues to be allowed on that side every night (i.e., there are no overnight restrictions)
- No overnight prking is permitted on the curcular portion of dead-end sul-de-sacs.
Snow Emergency Parking Restrictions
Upon declaration of a snow emergency, vehicles must be removed from both sides of all City streets. Typically, snow emergencies are in effect from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, but these hours may be expanded during heavy storms. Any vehicle in violation will be removed and impounded.
Off-street Parking Options
The City makes three locations available for free parking during snow emergencies:
- Victory Parking Garage, located at Amherst and Chestnut Streets.
- Pearl Street Parking, located off Orange Street between Elm and Chestnut Streets
- NEW LOCATION – BEHIND West Side Arena located at 2 Electric Street.
Note that snow emergency parking at these locations is only permitted from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. of the following morning. Vehicles parked outside these times must pay to park or they will be issued a parking citation. Normal parking fees of .75 cents per hour outside of snow emergency times will be enforced and must be paid at any meter in the garage.
Notifications
The City announces snow emergencies via the following:
- White, flashing strobe lights at major intersections
- Electronic Alerts (Sign up for Snow Emergency Notifications)
- Website announcements, on the City’s home page and elsewhere
Impoundment Information
Vehicles that have been impounded will be stored in the City’s Vehicle Impound lot located in the parking lot adjacent to the Bridge Street entrance to Derryfield Park.
- In order to recover an impounded vehicle, the owner will be required to present proof of ownership and pay $110 in cash. (Cash Only)
- This must be done within 24 hours of the time when the vehicle was towed.
- Vehicles not recovered within 24 hours, will be subject to additional storage charges.
- This is in addition to the $75 fine for parking in violation of a Snow Emergency Declaration.
A Snow Emergency is called to allow City crews to plow the full width of the streets. Upon declaration of a Snow Emergency, vehicles must be removed from the City streets. Snow Emergencies take effect from the time determined by the Director. Any vehicle parked in violation of parking restrictions will be removed and impounded.
Related: This Facebook group helps residents find places to park during a Manchester Snow Emergency.
