Heavy snow expected this weekend

CHENEY -- With the National Weather Service predicting snow accumulations between 5-8 inches around Spokane and Eastern Washington, city of Cheney officials have issued alerts to citizens on what to expect when the time comes to plow the streets of the white stuff.

According to Cheney's snow removal regulations, plows will begin removing snow once two (2) inches has accumulated and will continue to plow as long as the streets and arterial roadways remain unclear. Residents must make sure the path for plowing crews to do their job is clear by moving all parked vehicles, trailers, basketball hoops and other objects on the streets onto their property or by making arrangements to store them somewhere else.

"Our policy is get your cars off the streets as soon as you can after two inches," Public Works Director Todd Ableman said.

According to the alert, those who do not have an off-street parking option at their residence may park their vehicles free of charge at Eastern Washington University's P-18 and P-12 parking lots. P-12 is located above Roos Field while P-18 is on Washington Street at the Red Barn across from Sutton Park.

Additionally, all city of Cheney parking lots may be used as well.

City regulations allow police to tow vehicles remaining parked on the streets that are blocking plows, with fines being issued.

Ableman said they are keeping a close eye on the ever-changing forecast. Forecasts have indicated colder temperatures setting in overnight on Thursday, with a Winter Storm Watch issued for all day Friday, Jan. 10, with snow beginning in the morning and increasing in intensity through the day.

Snow is also expected to fall on Saturday and Sunday.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.