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During the most extreme winter storms, the County Executive will issue a snow emergency with input from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. This is done with a press release declaring a “snow emergency.” Snow emergencies have very specific parking implications to allow for adequate clearing of snow emergency routes. When the snow emergency ends, another press release is generated to announce the end.
Separately, the state also declares snow emergencies for state roads, typically identified by roadways with numbers (for example, Rockville Pike/ 355). This issuance does not have the same parking restrictions on county roads, nor does it waive county parking fees.
♦ On odd-numbered days (1, 3, 5...), cars should be parked on the odd-numbered side of the street.
♦ Cul-de-sacs need to be as clear as possible to allow for snowplows to turn around. Cars should not park at the center of the cul-de-sac.
♦ Fees are waived for County parking garages located in Downtown areas of Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton during a county-declared snow emergency. Residents are encouraged to use County garages for off-street parking. Cars will need to be moved once the snow emergency ends, as declared by a press release.
Separately, the state also declares snow emergencies for state roads, typically identified by roadways with numbers (for example, Rockville Pike/ 355). This issuance does not have the same parking restrictions on county roads, nor does it waive county parking fees.
In accordance with the County Code, during a Snow Emergency:
Parking is prohibited along County roads marked as a "Snow Emergency Route.” All vehicles should be parked off-street in a driveway or garage. Cars that must park on the roadway will need to be parked on specific sides of the street on certain days, to allow for plows to clear one side of the roadway at a time.
♦ On odd-numbered days (1, 3, 5...), cars should be parked on the odd-numbered side of the street.
♦ Cul-de-sacs need to be as clear as possible to allow for snowplows to turn around. Cars should not park at the center of the cul-de-sac.
♦ Fees are waived for County parking garages located in Downtown areas of Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton during a county-declared snow emergency. Residents are encouraged to use County garages for off-street parking. Cars will need to be moved once the snow emergency ends, as declared by a press release.
Storm Response Levels
Response levels indicate the projected severity of winter weather conditions and their impact on road safety. Here are the different levels and their meanings:
Level 1: Storm Operations Center (SOC) Activation:
In cases of expected snow, sleet, and/or ice that are likely to cause hazardous roadway conditions, MCDOT announces the activation of its Storm Operations Center (SOC). MCDOT activates the SOC to monitor road conditions and react as necessary with plows and road treatments to keep roads passable. After plow activities finish, crews review MC 311 call center service requests and send crews to respond. MCDOT issues a press release detailing snow-clearing operation plans and updates for media, posted on the main page of the MCDOT website. Updates are also shared on social media platforms on X, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram under the @MCDOTNow handle throughout the storm.Level 2: Snow Emergency:
In cases where extreme snowfall is expected, a snow emergency may be enacted, triggering on-street parking restrictions to allow for snow-clearing efforts. The County Executive makes the determination if this is necessary and a press release from the County posts to announce it. Garages are available for free, off-street parking until the snow emergency is ended, as declared by a follow-up press release.
