Snowstorm Preparedness Tips

Trash Collection

For the Winter 2024-2025 season the following trash collection cancellation notification procedure will be followed: If the National Weather Service issues a Winter Weather Advisory (forecasting accumulations of 3 to 5 inches of snow within the next 12 hours, or accumulating sleet, or freezing rain), there will be no trash collection on the following day. The next collection would then be made the following week on the normally scheduled day. The goal is to notify residents of the cancellation on the evening before their scheduled trash pickup so they can remove obstructions from streets and sidewalks.

a graphic showing the different levels of winter weather warnings with Blizzard, Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory detailed.

Smart 911 Notification

DPW and the Portsmouth Police Department will continue to utilize the Smart911 alert system that sends text, email, voicemail, and Facebook notifications. Snow parking announcements are issued ahead of an anticipated snow parking ban; alerts are issued when the parking ban goes into effect. All notifications will be distributed through Smart911 and the Snow Phone. To sign- up to receive Smart911 notifications, go to the subscription page.

Plowing & Resident Parking

Portsmouth’s snow plowing operations typically begin when snow accumulation exceeds two inches, at which time a Citywide parking ban may go into effect to facilitate snow removal.

Residents can take advantage of spaces in designated City parking lots and garages when the parking bans are in effect. Under a declared parking ban, the flat parking rate at Hanover Garage is $10 per exit and at Foundry Garage, $5 per exit.  These rates are good from the time an “anticipated ban” is announced until 2 hours after the ban is cancelled. For more information on parking ban logistics and available City parking lots, visit portsnh.co/snowimpacts.

Parking Ban Notification Systems

Parking bans for snow removal are announced in several different ways:

  • Smart911: anyone can sign up to receive automatic email, voicemail, or text alerts, go to: portsnh.co/smart911;
  • Snow Phone: call (603) 766-7669 (SNO-SNOW) to hear recorded messages;
  • City website: visit portsnh.co/snowimpacts
  • Channel 22: Bulletin directs residents to Snow Phone;
  • Facebook: @CityHallPortsmouthNH; and
  • Public Works Department: call (603) 427-1530 or report a snow clearing issue using the Click ‘n Fix portsnh.co/clickfix reporting system.

Snowstorm Preparedness

The Department of Public Works also asks residents to assist in making snow removal more efficient by doing the following:

  • Clear sidewalks of debris, trash cans, recycling bins, planters and other decorative items, prior to a storm.
  • Make sure parked cars are not blocking sidewalks.
  • Keep excess snow from your property off of the streets.
  • Reduce speed, turn headlights on and maintain a safe distance behind plow drivers
  • Adopt a Fire Hydrant. If there is a fire hydrant located near your residence or business, consider helping out emergency efforts by keeping access to the hydrant clear of snow.

When managing extended weather conditions and snow removal in the area, residents should take precautions to ensure their safety:

  • Advise children to avoid creating snow forts or caves within snow banks on the edge of the roads. These structures can put children at great risk due to the potential of collapse, especially when snowplows and blowers are frequently pushing back these banks to widen the streets.
  • Keep front doors clear to allow exit and entrance in case of emergencies.
  • Clear snow surrounding nearby fire hydrants.
  • Check and clear exhaust vents of furnaces and stoves to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Snowy downtown