Declaring a snow emergency:

The City will make a determination on whether a snow emergency will be declared. When declared, that information is given to the TV, radio stations, posted on the web and on the municipal cable channel (channel 8). Also available by calling 617-349-4700.  Every effort is made to give residents reasonable notice.

The City’s E-Line service allows residents to sign up to receive an email notification and/or a text message on your cell when a snow emergency is declared. Sign-up on the City’s web page at www.cambridgema.gov.

Parking on City streets:

When a snow emergency is declared, parking is restricted on certain streets in the City. Vehicles parked on those streets will be tagged and towed.

There are 82 streets in the City, which have snow emergency parking restrictions. Some streets are restricted on one side only and some on both sides.

When a snow emergency is declared all streets signed "no parking" during a snow emergency will be tagged. In addition, cars will be towed. The City will determine the order in which streets will be towed based on the access needs, especially for emergency vehicles, and the type and duration of the storm. Do not park on the streets restricted during a declared snow emergency.

Available off-street parking during declared snow emergencies:

Residents are responsible for moving their cars off the streets signed "no parking" during a declared snow emergency. Finding parking can be difficult. There are four parking facilities that provide free parking when the declared snow emergency is in effect.

• Galleria Mall. Enter on Cambridgeside place, Between P.F Chang’s and Cheesecake Factory Entrance. Residents of East Cambridge can park for free in the Cambridgeside Galleria Garage when the declared snow emergency is in effect until 2 hours after it is lifted.
• First Street Garage. Enter on Spring Street. Parking is free if you have a Cambridge resident parking permit from the time when the declared snow emergency is in effect until 2 hours after it is lifted.
• Green Street Garage, Central Square. Parking is free if you have a Cambridge resident parking permit from the time when the declared snow emergency is in effect until 2 hours after it is lifted.
• 52 Oxford Garage. This is a Harvard owned and operated garage. When a Snow Emergency is declared it is open to City residents with a resident parking permit on a space available basis for no fee from the time when the declared snow emergency is in effect until one hour after the snow emergency is lifted. Space is limited, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. The University reserves the right to cease admittance due to capacity limitations and operation issues