MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A large snowstorm is headed toward southeast Wisconsin later this week, and the Milwaukee Department of Public Works is getting prepared.

DPW on Monday, Dec. 19, outlined a tentative plan starting with pre-treating main and residential streets. Pre-treatments can include pre-salting, brining or a combination. DPW says they are constantly consulting with local and national weather forecasters and weather reporting agencies to determine the appropriate pre-treatment techniques. 

Pre-treatment doesn’t eliminate the necessity for salting and/or plowing and patience is necessary and appreciated, DPW said. 

Ways residents can help during a snow operation:

• Please be patient and understanding, snow and ice operations take time, all streets will cleared. Drive carefully and plan your route to stay on main transportation routes as much as possible during snow and ice events.
• Park legally and follow alternate side parking rules. We do a better job when parking rules are followed. Parking farther away from driveways, alleys and intersections allows our equipment to get through.
• Do not shovel, blow or plow snow back into the streets.
• Shovel your sidewalk within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling, assist neighbors who are elderly or disabled.
• Clear your hydrant of snow and ice.
• Clear snow and ice around and on top of your garbage and recycling carts.
• Adjust your driving for conditions by slowing down and providing more space for braking.
• Give our trucks space and stay back from the trucks salting or brining streets to ensure the product hits the streets instead of your car.

Garbage and Recycling Collections: Depending on the timing and severity of the winter weather, residents could experience some delays to garbage and recycling collections. Residents should set out their cart as scheduled and leave at the collection point until emptied. Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th are observed as Holidays and no collections are schedule. Check your scheduled collection days HERE. 

Check HERE for changes and updates.

Parking: Depending on the timing and severity of the winter weather, impacts to parking regulations may be expected but developing conditions will determine and a formal announcement would take place. Winter Parking regulations began December 1st, with no parking 2am – 6am on through highways and bus routes. Posted signs take precedence, such as streets posted “No Parking Dec 1 – Mar 1”. We encourage those that park on the street to sign up for E-notify and text message notifications at Milwaukee.gov/parking

Stay informed about DPW snow emergencies

• Sign up for Winter Parking Text Alerts at milwaukeeparkingalerts.com.
• Follow DPW on Facebook and Twitter – both @milwaukeedpw
• Join Next Door to receive DPW updates (City residents only)
• Check the DPW website at milwaukee.gov/snow
• Call (414) 286-CITY for information and assistance