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Use this webpage as your go to for finding information on parking bans, snow emergencies, snow fall totals and updates. If it relates to snow it's on this page, helpful phone numbers and some frequently asked questions have been provided. If you don't find an answer to your question here please email mayor@northamptonma.gov

There is no Snow Emergency or Parking Ban in effect

  • During inclement weather you can call the snow emergency/parking ban info line for updates at (413) 586-6969
  • Don't Forget to Shovel Your Sidewalks!

Winter Weather Phone List

Department of Public Works (413) 587-1570
Emergency Dispatch (413) 587-1100
Fire Department (413) 587-1032
Mayor's Office (413) 587-1249
Parking Clerk (413) 587-1025
Parking Director (413) 587-1267
Police Department (413) 587-1100
Snow Emergency Status Message (413) 586-6969

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What do the flashing blue lights at intersections mean?

When the blue lights at traffic signals in downtowon Northampton and Florence are flashing a snow emergency is in effect. That means no overnight on-street parking from midnight until 6am (2am-7am for Main Street).

How do I know if there is a ban in effect for on-street parking?

When the blue lights on the traffic signals in downtown Northampton or Florence are flashing, a winter parking ban is in effect – there is no on-street parking throughout Northampton from 12am-6am (2am-7am for Main Street)

When a Snow Emergency is called, a City-wide night parking ban goes into effect: overnight parking is prohibited on any street from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) until 6:00 a.m., except downtown on Main St. where the prohibition is from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Snow Emergencies remain in effect until canceled and are often enforced for more than one night. The Winter Info Line is updated and Alert emails are sent when the Snow Emergency is canceled.

Overnight parking is available in the John E. Gare garage at all hours on a space-available basis. There is a fee for overnight parking in the garage. Free overnight parking is available in the city parking lot on Armory St (near the Parking Garage) from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

If you park on a City street or in a City parking lot (except the Armory Street lot) your vehicle will be subject to ticketing and towing. This is a public safety issue.

Parking bans can extend a few days, stay informed by calling the snow information line at (413) 586-6969 or by signing up for Blackboard Connect to receive, email, text or telephone updates

How do I know if a parking ban has been lifted?

Snow Emergencies remain in effect until canceled and are often enforced for more than one night. The Winter Info Line is updated and Alert emails are sent when the Snow Emergency is canceled.

Sign up to receive alerts and stay informed!

My street was plowed, why is there still a parking ban?

Snow emergencies and parking bans can remain in effect for several days. DPW crews not only plow snow but also sand streets and perform snow removal operations. Snow clearing and removal operations may take place over several days and a parking ban will remain in effect until the roads are clear and safe for on-street parking.

Where can I park during a snow emergency?

Overnight parking is available in the John E. Gare Garage at all hours, on a space-available basis. There is a fee for overnight parking in the garage. During Winter Parking Bans, free overnight parking is available in the city parking lot on Armory Street (near the garage) from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. All cars must be moved by 8:00 am and cannot return until 10:00 am and moved again from 6:00 pm allowed to return at 8:00 pm for plow crews to clear that parking lot.

My vehicle was towed now what do I do?

If you vehicle was towed contact Emergency Dispatch (413) 587-1100 to find out where your vehicle is and who to call to retrieve it. Any vehicle that is towed was also ticketed. If you think your vehicle was wrongly towed you must first appeal the parking ticket, information on appealing the parking ticket can be found on the ticket itself or by visiting Parking Ticket Appeal

My mailbox was hit by a City snowplow, what do I do?

Occassionaly mailboxes are damaged due to snowplowing operations. The DPW makes every effort to avoid damaging mailboxes but sometimes due to the amount of snow, weight of the snow or ice and the speed the plows need to travel at mailboxes are sometimes damaged.

If you are unable to still receive mail go to your local Post Office and make arrangements for mail pick up.

If your mailbox was damaged as a result of CITY snowplowing operations there is a mailbox reimbursement process which can be found here Mailbox Claim

Does the City provide sand to residents?

Winter sand is free for residents (2 bucket maximum) and is available at the DPW yard 125 Locust Street on a self serve basis any time the main DPW gates are open.

Can I push snow into the street for removal?

When plowing or snow blowing your driveway, please do not put snow into or across the street. It's against the City ordinance to do so because it will most likely freeze and cause ice ruts, making driving dangerous for everyone, including the plow drivers.

Do I have to shovel out my fire hydrant?

If possible, please shovel out the fire hydrant near your home as well as any storm drain grates. If rains follows the snow, street flooding and icing can quickly become a problem.

When do I have to shovel my sidewalk?

It is important for the health and safety of residents that sidewalks are cleared of snow within 24 hours from the end of a snow event. If you are responsible for a sidewalk on your property please clear the snow as soon as possible. Fines can be levied by the Police Department if snow is not cleared.

Stay Informed with Up to Date Information

Join the City's Blackboard Connect to receive email, phone or text updates.

Stay Informed

Or download the form here Blackboard Connect Opt In/Opt Out Form

Winter Parking Flyer
This flyer is updated yearly and is distributed to people parking on City streets and in City parking lots

Snow Information Flyer
Help spread the word by printing this flyer and displaying it in your business!

Northampton Weather Forecast