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Winter Operations

The Department of Public Services (DPS) maintains over 3,100 lane miles within Cincinnati's 79-square-mile area.  When snow and ice impact the region, our Winter Operations Team works diligently to keep streets safe and passable by anti-icing, de-icing, and plowing.

To respond effectively to each winter event, DPS uses professional weather service data, road condition information, and GPS tracking software to develop an optimized operations plan that maximizes available resources. 

To prioritize safety and efficiency, DPS treats streets based on a snow priority route system. Primary routes – including hills, bridges, major thoroughfares, and the Central Business District – are serviced first, followed by collector streets then residential streets.

Please Note: Streets may not appear completely bare after treatment. DPS’s goal is to make roads passable, meaning safe enough for travel even if some snow or slush remains. Bare pavement may not be visible immediately, especially during ongoing snowfall or extremely cold temperatures.

During major winter events, crews operate in 12-hour shifts.  DPS aims to make all streets passable 24 hours after snowfall ends.  Depending on the severity of the storm and temperature conditions, multiple passes may be necessary.

For more information on winter street conditions or to report dangerous or icy conditions, call 311 or visit https://www.311cincy.com/.

The City of Cincinnati reminds residents that under Cincinnati Municipal Code 723-57 and 723-59, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk(s) adjacent to their property. This includes ensuring sidewalks are safe and passable of ice and snow during winter weather events.

 

Download the DPS Snow and Ice Removal Plan

 

Weather Alerts

The City of Cincinnati follows the Snow Emergency levels announced by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office:

  • Level I Snow Alert: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.
  • Level II Snow Advisory: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
  • Level III Snow Emergency: All Municipal, Township, County and State roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.