City declares snow emergency on Dec. 15-16

The City of Eden Prairie has declared a snow emergency effective Dec. 15-16 after a new blanket of snow fell on the Twin Cities.

According to a city alert, residents are asked not to park on streets until noon on Friday, Dec. 16. A winter storm warning remains in effect by the National Weather Service for the Twin Cities until 6 p.m. tonight (Wednesday).

During the snow emergency, which goes into effect once a snow accumulation reaches 2 inches, residents are reminded to place trash containers behind the curb line, not in the street. Basketball hoops, landscaping, and other objects should be removed from the street and right-of-way (extending approximately 10-15 feet beyond the curb). The city, the alert states, is not responsible for damage to items placed in these areas without permission.

Residents are also encouraged to help by shoveling around fire hydrants and mailboxes and clearing nearby sidewalks. It is illegal for residents to place snow from their property onto the public roadway.

The alert also urges residents to make sure their mailbox is installed according to USPS guidelines and is sturdy enough to withstand the force of snow rolling off the plow.