Winter Weather Prediction Leads to Request from Rochester Leaders

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Officials have issued a request for Rochester citizens ahead of a forecasted Winter weather blast.

Read More: Forecast Change: New Snow Totals Predicted for Minnesota Spring Storm

The National Weather Service has been tracking a winter storm throughout the week that’s predicted to bring plowable snow to Minnesota on Thursday.

Details regarding the most recent forecast are available by clicking here.

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The predicted snow storm is a drastic change for a lack of winter weather Rochester has experienced this year.

The mild temperatures and minimal snowfall prompted city leaders to end an annual parking restriction earlier than usual.

Alternate Side Parking Returns to Rochester Ahead of Winter Weather Prediction

On Wednesday the city leaders issued a news release asking Rochester residents to abide by alternate side parking rules for the majority of the remaining days in March.

Citizens and visitors who park their vehicles on the city’s streets overnight are being asked to observe alternate side parking from March 21-27.

Below is Rochester’s Alternate Side Parking Policy, which takes affect daily from 2 a.m. until 3 p.m. when it is in place:

Park vehicles on the side of the street with EVEN house numbers when the calendar date is EVEN.
Park vehicles on the side of the street with ODD house numbers when the calendar date is ODD.
While cars can be parked on both sides of the street in the evening hours, drivers should park their vehicles overnight for the requirements that are in place the following day from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Officials are asking residents to follow the policy in order to allow snowplows to properly clear the city’s streets.

Our top priority is safety and this includes having roadways clear, as it allows our public safety teammates to get to where they need to as quickly as they can in the case of an emergency. While there will not be active enforcement of Seasonal Parking Requirements, the partnership of our residents and visitors in this winter weather event is greatly appreciated.
-Rochester Public Works Director Wendy Turri.

Along with Thursday night’s predicted snowstorm, the National Weather Service is also forecasting below-average temperatures and another potential snowstorm within the next week.

Hwy. 52 in Rochester. MnDOT

City officials also issued other parking reminders for drivers living in and visiting Rochester:

Posted parking signs must be followed regardless of the calendar date.
This does not apply to metered spaces; however, parked vehicles must still comply with posted signs.
Alternate side parking is not applicable on streets where parking is only allowed on one side.
Seasonal parking requirements apply regardless of weather or street conditions.

A city spokesperson says active enforcement of the alternate side parking ordinance is not planned.

Rochester’s alternate side parking restrictions typically are in effect from Nov. 1 through April 1, however city officials announced an early end to the rules on March 5 due to the mild winter.