DPW Offers Winter Storm Preparation Guidance

The Department of Public Works is beginning preparations for the Winter 2025-26 season and reminds residents of the procedures and tips for ensuring safe winter weather operations for drivers, pedestrians, and City staff.

Smart911 & Snow Phone Notifications: DPW and the Portsmouth Police Department will continue to use the Smart911 alert system that sends text, email, voicemail, and Facebook notifications to subscribers. Snow parking announcements are issued ahead of an anticipated snow parking ban. Alerts are issued when the parking ban goes into effect. All notifications are distributed through Smart911 and the Snow Phone at (603) 766-7669. To sign-up for Smart911, visit: portsnh.co/smart911.

Portsmouth’s snow plowing operations typically begin when snow accumulation exceeds two inches. If a Citywide parking ban is issued to facilitate snow removal, residents can take advantage of flat rate parking at Hanover and Foundry Garages ($8 per exit), good from the time an anticipated ban is announced until two hours after the ban cancellation is issued. For more information on parking ban logistics and available City lots for the public during snow emergencies, visit: portsnh.co/snowimpacts.

Winter Trash Collection Cancellation: During the winter season, trash collection will be cancelled if the National Weather Service issues a Winter Weather Advisory. This includes forecasts of 3 to 5 inches of snow within 12 hours, or significant sleet or freezing rain. In such cases, trash will not be collected the following day. Instead, pickup will resume on the regular schedule the following week.

Residents will be notified of trash collection cancellations the evening before their scheduled collection day via Smart911 and the City’s website. This allows time to clear streets and sidewalks of any obstructions. For more information and tips about snow preparedness, visit: portsnh.co/snowtifications.