Twin Cities Declare Snow Emergency for November 30

Minneapolis and St. Paul have officially declared a Snow Emergency, effective today, November 30, 2025. This critical announcement means strict parking rules are now in effect across both cities to allow plows to clear streets safely and efficiently. Residents are urged to move their vehicles promptly to avoid citations and costly towing.

Understanding the Declaration

The declaration of a Snow Emergency signifies a significant snowfall event requiring comprehensive plowing operations. Its primary purpose is to ensure emergency vehicle access, improve driving conditions, and prevent hazards. For residents, this means adhering to specific parking regulations that change over a multi-day period, affecting where you can park your vehicle without risking enforcement action.

Minneapolis: Phase-Based Parking Enforcement

Minneapolis implements a phased approach to snow emergency parking, typically spanning three days. Residents must pay close attention to the specific rules for each phase, as failure to comply results in tickets and vehicle impoundment. The city’s extensive network of snow emergency routes and residential streets requires staggered clearing.

Day 1: Arterial Streets (Plowing complete)
On Day 1, which typically starts at 9 PM on the day of the declaration, parking is banned on all Snow Emergency Routes (major arterial streets, typically marked with “Snow Emergency Route” signs). These routes are prioritized for plowing to maintain traffic flow. Vehicles parked on these routes will be ticketed and towed almost immediately.

Day 2: Even/Odd Sides of Residential Streets
Starting at 8 AM the morning after the declaration, parking restrictions shift to residential streets. Depending on the city’s specific declaration, you might need to park on the even-numbered side of the street (if the day is even-numbered) or the odd-numbered side (if the day is odd-numbered). Pay attention to specific signage for your street, as some areas may have permanent restrictions regardless of the snow emergency. This phase allows plows to clear one side of the street effectively.

Day 3: The Other Side of Residential Streets
At 8 AM on the third day, the parking restrictions usually flip to the opposite side of residential streets from Day 2. This ensures both sides of residential streets are cleared. Residents must move their vehicles again to the previously plowed side. Staying informed via city communication channels is crucial as these phases can sometimes be adjusted based on snow accumulation or weather conditions.

St. Paul: Main Streets & Residential Side Streets

St. Paul also follows a structured snow emergency plan, designed to clear main thoroughfares before moving to residential areas. While similar in principle to Minneapolis, St. Paul’s rules have distinct timings and enforcement zones.

Main Streets & Arterials
Parking is generally prohibited on all designated “Snow Emergency Routes” and main arterial streets in St. Paul starting at 9 PM on the declaration day. These are the first streets to be plowed, critical for public safety and transit. Vehicles left on these routes will be towed to allow plowing. Look for streets marked with red and white signs indicating “No Parking Snow Emergency Route.”

Residential Side Streets
Beginning at 8 AM the morning after the declaration, parking restrictions extend to all residential streets. Vehicles must be moved off residential streets until the street has been fully plowed curb-to-curb. Unlike Minneapolis’s even/odd system, St. Paul typically requires all cars off residential streets for plowing, returning only once the plow has completed its pass. This approach prioritizes clearing entire streets in one go, although it requires residents to find off-street parking or temporarily use side streets that have already been cleared.

Minneapolis vs. St. Paul: Key Differences

While both cities aim for clear streets, their specific approaches to parking enforcement during a snow emergency differ. Understanding these nuances is vital for Twin Cities residents.

What to Watch Next

The declared Snow Emergency will remain in effect for several days as plowing operations continue. Residents should monitor city communication channels for updates on plowing progress, any changes to parking rules, and when the emergency is officially lifted. Additional snowfall could extend the plowing efforts or trigger further advisories.

Ensure all sidewalks adjacent to your property are shoveled within 24 hours (Minneapolis) or 12 hours after the snow stops falling (St. Paul) to comply with local ordinances. Clearing paths helps maintain accessibility for pedestrians, especially those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• When exactly does the Snow Emergency start?
  For this declaration, enforcement on main arterial routes begins at 9 PM on November 30, 2025. Residential street rules typically activate the following morning at 8 AM.
• Where can I find off-street parking during a Snow Emergency?
  Many public parking ramps and lots offer discounted or free parking during emergencies. Check your city’s official website for a list of available off-street parking options. Avoid parking ramps designated for residents or businesses only.
• What happens if my car gets towed?
  If your car is towed, you will incur a towing fee plus a daily impoundment fee. Contact Minneapolis Impound Lot (612-673-5777) or St. Paul Impound Lot (651-266-9788) to locate your vehicle and learn about retrieval procedures and costs.
• How long does a typical Snow Emergency last?
  A Snow Emergency generally lasts for 72 hours (3 full days) from the initial declaration, encompassing various stages of plowing and parking restrictions. However, the official end will be announced by the city.
• How can I stay updated on the latest information?
  The best sources are the official city websites (minneapolismn.gov/snow and stpaul.gov/snow), their social media channels, and local news outlets like CBS News Minnesota. Sign up for text or email alerts if available.

Staying informed and moving your vehicle promptly are the most effective ways to avoid fines, towing, and contribute to efficient snow removal for everyone in the Twin Cities.

Twin Cities Declare Snow Emergency Parking Rules