Snow and Ice Response

During a snowstorm, city crews work hard to clear and maintain designated priority routes to accommodate emergency services. When priority routes are clear, secondary routes are addressed to provide improved access for transit, schools, and commuters. If snowfall is continuous, priority routes may require repeated plowing and secondary route plowing may be delayed.

Please keep in mind, the city does not have the resources to plow neighborhood streets. However, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) can contact Lacey Public Works at at (360) 491-5600 for information about our HOA Snow Plowing Policy.

Drivers should always be prepared to drive on snow and ice during the winter. Please refer to the winter driving section below for tips on safely operating a vehicle in wintery conditions.

Tips for Being Prepared

• Keep a snow shovel and sand at home and in your car.
• Severe cold can freeze the water in your pipes, causing them to burst. Insulate pipes, disconnect garden hoses, and insulate outdoor faucets.
• Have a safe back-up power source on hand.
• Visit TakeWinterByStorm.org for more great tips and resources on winter weather preparedness.

Winter Driving Tips

• On ice and snow – take it slow.
• Drive for conditions―use slower speeds, acceleration, steering, and braking.
• Leave early for work and allow extra time for your commute.
• Use your headlights.
• Don’t use cruise control.
• Four- and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions than two-wheel drive vehicles.
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, big trucks take longer to stop.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots.
• Slow down around chain-up areas or where pedestrians may be present.
• If traffic signals are out, treat intersection as a four-way stop.
• Stay informed with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) updates on what’s happening on highways across the state, and download WSDOT’s Winter Driving Guide.

During a Snow Storm

• Help your neighbor―remember to check on the elderly or shut-ins.
• Place snow removed from walkways and driveways on lawns and greenways to avoid creating additional driving hazards in your neighborhood.
• If a water pipe breaks, shut-off water main immediately and call a plumber.
• If physically possible, clear any debris from the storm drains to facilitate ice and snow removal.
• Drive only when safe and necessary. Arterial streets are cleared to allow bus traffic. Check the Intercity Transit website for bus information.