OTTUMWA, Ia- The City of Ottumwa’s Snow Emergency Ordinance will be placed into effect beginning at noon today, January 8. The ordinance is being put into effect due to the Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service. The Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect from 3 p.m. today until 6 p.m. tomorrow, January 9. Another notice will be given when the snow emergency has lifted.

With the Snow Emergency Ordinance in effect, parking is prohibited on either side of roads designated as snow routes. These can be identified with a small, blue sign with a white snowflake. On other roads, parking is allowed on the even side of the street during even days of the month and the odd side of the street during odd days of the month. Drivers can begin moving vehicles after 7:00 p.m. in preparation for the next day. Stalled or illegally parked vehicles during snow emergencies may be towed and impounded by the Police Department, and a citation will be issued and a fee charged for towing/impoundment. Full details, along with a map of the snow routes, can be found on the City of Ottumwa website at https://www.ottumwa.us/departments/public_works/snow_removal/.