Winter Weather
Chicago Plow Tracker
The Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation (DSS) operates Chicago's snow and ice control programs from Snow Command which continuously monitors weather systems.
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DSS maintains roadway safety on more than 9,400 lane miles throughout the City of Chicago. Their first priority during snowfall is to clear main routes and arterial streets. Once these streets have been deemed safe, which is typically not until snow has stopped falling, Snow Command shifts their attention to side, residential streets.
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Most side streets are cleared using the same full-size trucks. Some of our narrowest side streets are cleaned by a fleet of smaller plows, including 4x4 pickup trucks.
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To track plows and view road status, click the link below to see the plow tracker.
Clearing Sidewalks
According to the Municipal Code of Chicago, property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. If you do not own your residential or business property, check your rental or lease agreement and/or your management company to see what your sidewalk clearing responsibility is.
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Sidewalks need to be cleared 7 days a week. Snow that falls overnight must be cleared by 10:00 am, and snow that falls during the day must be cleared by 10:00 pm.
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How wide of a path do you need to clear? City code requires a five-foot path to be cleared, and any ramps that are attached to the sidewalk also have to be cleared.
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Please do not push snow into the street, bike lanes, cross-walks, bus stops, alley entrances, or Divvy stations. Instead, push the snow into your yard, parkway, or along the side of the sidewalk.
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Warming Centers
The City of Chicago coordinates a network of more than 190 public facilities available when temperatures are below freezing. This includes the Department of Family and Support Services Community Service Centers, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Police Department, and City Colleges of Chicago facilities during their operational hours.
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Warming Center hours may be extended, along with activation of other supports, when the Office of Emergency Management and Communications activates the City's Emergency Operations Plan for extreme cold conditions based on information from the National Weather Service.
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Call 311 if you are seeking a warm place to go after hours, to request a well-being check for vulnerable neighbors, or to report inadequate heat in a residential building.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The 39th Ward Public Service Office offers snow removal assistance to 39th Ward seniors and residents with disabilities by connecting them with volunteers in their community. If you are in need or if you are willing and able to volunteer, please complete the form below.