Journal of Geography  & Natural Disasters
Open Access

Snow Plowing and Removal Strategies during a Blizzard

Liselotte Englund^{* *}Correspondence: Liselotte Englund, Department of Risk and Environmental Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden, Email:

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About the Study

Snowstorms and blizzards are meteorological events that can have a significant impact on communities, disrupting daily life and posing various challenges, particularly when it comes to snow plowing and removal. Effective snow management strategies are crucial for ensuring the safety of residents, maintaining transportation infrastructure, and minimizing economic losses.

Understanding the blizzard challenge

Before delving into specific snow plowing and removal strategies, it's important to understand the unique challenges posed by blizzards. A blizzard is characterized by strong winds, heavy snowfall, and reduced visibility, making it one of the most severe forms of winter weather. Key challenges during a blizzard include:

Safety concerns: Blizzards can create hazardous road conditions, leading to accidents and stranded motorists. Pedestrian safety is also a concern due to reduced visibility and slippery walkways.

Transportation disruptions: Public transportation systems can be severely affected, leading to service cancellations and delays. Snow accumulation on roads can impede the movement of vehicles.

Economic impact: Businesses may face closures, and supply chains can be disrupted, leading to economic losses. Additionally, the cost of snow removal can strain municipal budgets.

Infrastructure damage: The weight of accumulated snow can damage buildings, roofs, and other structures, potentially causing collapses.

Pre-blizzard preparedness

Successful snow plowing and removal strategies during a blizzard start with thorough preparation. Municipalities and private entities must take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of severe winter weather. Key aspects of pre-blizzard preparedness include:

Weather forecast monitoring: Continuous monitoring of weather forecasts is essential to anticipate blizzards. This allows authorities to make informed decisions and mobilize resources in advance.

Resource allocation: Ensuring an adequate supply of salt, sand, and de-icing chemicals is critical. Equipment, such as snowplows and snow blowers, must be well-maintained and readily available.

Communication plans: Establishing clear communication channels with the public and emergency services is crucial. Informing residents about parking restrictions and snow emergency routes can help manage the impact of the storm.

Emergency response plans: Develop and update emergency response plans that outline roles and responsibilities for city personnel, contractors, and volunteers during a blizzard.

Snow plowing strategies

Effective snow plowing is a cornerstone of blizzard response. Here are some key strategies:

Priority route planning: Develop a priority route plan that categorizes roads into primary, secondary, and tertiary routes. Primary routes include major arteries and emergency access roads. These routes are cleared first to ensure essential services can continue.

Continuous plowing: Maintain continuous plowing operations throughout the storm to prevent snow accumulation from becoming unmanageable. Plowing should be timed to coincide with peak snowfall rates.

Utilize snowplow technology: Many modern snowplows are equipped with advanced technology, such as GPS and real-time monitoring systems, which allow for more efficient and precise plowing.

Anti-icing and de-icing: Pre-treating roads with salt brine or other de-icing chemicals can prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, making it easier to plow.

Snow removal strategies

In addition to plowing, effective snow removal is necessary to manage the sheer volume of snow during a blizzard. Here are some snow removal strategies to consider:

Snow hauling: In densely populated areas with limited space for snow storage, snow hauling may be necessary. Snow is loaded onto trucks and transported to designated disposal sites.

Snow melting: The machines use heat to melt snow, turning it into water. This method is useful when there's no space for snow storage or when rapid snow removal is required.

Snow blowers: It can be used to break down large snowbanks and clear sidewalks and narrower streets. They are particularly useful in urban areas with limited space.

Contractors and equipment rental: Municipalities can collaborate with private contractors and equipment rental companies to augment their snow removal capabilities during blizzards.

Community assistance: Encourage community participation in snow removal efforts, such as clearing sidewalks in residential areas. Some cities have volunteer programs for snow shoveling.

Safety measures

Safety should always be a top priority during blizzards. Here are some safety measures to implement:

Travel restrictions: Consider implementing travel bans or restrictions during the most severe parts of the storm to keep roads clear for emergency services.

Emergency services coordination: Coordinate with emergency services to ensure they have unobstructed access to critical locations, such as hospitals and fire stations.

Shelter and support: Establish emergency shelters for those who may become stranded during the blizzard. Provide food, blankets, and medical assistance as needed.

Public awareness campaigns: Use various media channels to inform the public about safety measures, travel advisories, and the importance of staying indoors during blizzards.

Workplace safety: Employers should prioritize employee safety by allowing remote work when possible and providing adequate snow removal and de-icing measures in workplace parking areas.

Post-blizzard recovery

Once the blizzard subsides, the work is far from over. Effective recovery strategies are essential to restore normalcy. Key postblizzard recovery efforts include:

Continued snow removal: Even after the storm has passed, snow removal efforts must continue until all roads, sidewalks, and public spaces are clear and safe.

Assessment of damage: Evaluate the extent of damage to infrastructure, such as buildings and roads, to prioritize repair and restoration efforts.

Emergency repairs: Address any structural damage or hazards that may have occurred during the blizzard promptly.

Economic recovery: Support local businesses that may have suffered losses during the storm by offering assistance or relief programs.

Innovative approaches to snow management

As climate change leads to more extreme weather events, municipalities and organizations must adopt innovative approaches to snow management. Some emerging strategies include:

Snow sensing technology: Use of advanced sensors and weather forecasting models to predict snow accumulation more accurately and allocate resources accordingly.

Green infrastructure: Implement green infrastructure solutions like permeable pavements and bioswales to manage snowmelt runoff more effectively.

Snow storage facilities: Invest in dedicated snow storage facilities with capacity for large snow piles, reducing the need for snow hauling.

Autonomous snow removal: Explore the use of autonomous vehicles for snow removal to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.