(STURGIS) – With the threat of a major winter storm coming our way, the City of Sturgis wants to remind residents of their snow removal policy.

During snowfall, the Sturgis Department of Public Services is responsible for snow removal from city streets, City-owned parking lots, downtown sidewalks, and the Kirsch Municipal Airport. DPS staff, with the assistance of the Sturgis Department of Public Safety, monitor weather conditions and respond accordingly.

A Minimal Event is when there is less than 1 inch of snow accumulation. Anti-icing liquids are applied at major intersections in advance of the event.

A Minor Event is less than 3 inches of snow accumulation. State highways in Sturgis and major city streets are cleared and treated with salt as necessary. Local streets are not cleared, but intersections are treated with salt as needed.

A Normal Event is when more than 3 inches of snow accumulation occurs. State highways, major and local streets, parking lots, downtown sidewalks, and the Airport will be cleared and treated with salt as required.

A Major Event, or a Snow Removal Emergency is where there is greater than 4 inches of snow accumulation, or as declared. At that time DPS crews will concentrate their efforts on maintaining roadways in passable condition for motorists using State highways and major city streets. As the snowfall diminishes near the end of a storm, clearing operations on local city streets, city parking lots, sidewalks and the Airport will begin.

A Major Event is considered a Snow Removal Emergency as described in the City Code of Ordinances. During a Snow Removal Emergency, no on-street parking is allowed on any City street. A Snow Removal Emergency takes effect one of two ways: Automatically when snow accumulations are greater than four inches; or When the City declares a Snow Removal Emergency based on weather forecasts.

The City will notify residents of declared snow removal emergencies through WBET Radio, the local newspaper and with the Sturgis eWire e-mail service.

The parking prohibition remains in effect until a street has been cleared of snow between two successive street intersections. It may also be canceled via public announcement by the City. Vehicles found parked on-street during a Snow Removal Emergency may be ticketed.