Elmira opens Centertown Parking Garage to overnight parking to assist snow removal in city

The city of Elmira opened the Centertown Parking Garage for free overnight parking Monday in an effort to clear city streets for snow removal.

A Winter Storm Warning remained in effect for Chemung, Oneida, Onondaga, Tompkins, Madison, Cortland and Tioga counties until 5 p.m. Monday with additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches expected through the early evening. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Elmira recorded 9 inches by 7 a.m. Monday, and the AccuWeather forecast predicted Elmira could receive 8-12 inches in total by late Monday evening.

"While most of the expected snow has already fallen, strong winds will cause blowing snow, reducing visibility," said the National Weather Service. "Additional lake effect snow is expected later tonight into Tuesday, with a few more inches of snow possible in localized areas."

Elmira opened the Centertown Parking Garage at 10 a.m. Monday to assist off-street parking in the city. Cars must be removed from the parking garage by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

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The city of Elmira on Monday morning urged residents to drive only if necessary, and to follow all local parking restrictions, especially overnight odd/even parking, to allow efficient clearing of snow from roadways. The city also asked residents not to park vehicles directly across from each other at any time during the storm, as narrow roadways could prevent a street from being plowed.

The Department of Public Works offered the following tips for dealing with snowy or icy conditions:

• Allow yourself extra travel time to reach your destination.

• Note that four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles, while providing increased traction, don’t decrease braking distance.

• Be aware of snow plows on the road

• Give snow plows adequate room to operate.

• Stay a sufficient distance behind plows so the operator can see you.

• Passing a snow plow can be hazardous to you, other motorists, or the plow operator.

• Plowing or shoveling snow from driveways and sidewalks into or across roadways is prohibited by New York State law. It creates a hazard for motorists and public works employees alike.

• If possible, wait until after the plows go by before shoveling your driveway entrance. Shovel the snow to the “downstream” side of your driveway. This reduces the amount of snow plowed back into the driveway.

Chris Potter can be reached at cpotter@gannett.com or on Twitter @ChrisPotter413. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Elmira opens Centertown Parking Garage to overnight parking amid storm