Winter Portal
The Village of Plain City maintains roads and streets during winter months by de-icing, plowing, and dispensing salt. All Village streets receive snow removal service based on traffic volumes and speeds. The Ohio Department of Transportation is responsible for snow removal on state highways, including US-42 and OH-161.
Residents can assist with the snow plowing process in several ways:
- Keep parked vehicles off the street before, during, and after storms.
- Shovel snow onto your property, not the street.
- Remove snow and ice down to the concrete or asphalt.
- Shovel the entire width of the sidewalk.
- Clear snow from around fire hydrants.
- Use Ice Melt instead of salt to prevent damage to concrete.
- Remove ice and snow from around stormwater drains.
- Avoid piling snow into the middle of a cul-de-sac.
- Avoid shoveling/plowing snow into the streets, driveway aprons, or in piles around fire hydrants, or mailboxes.
- Maintain a safe distance from snow plows and keep children away from them.
- Do not attempt to pass a snow plow while traveling.
- If you are able, help a neighbor in need.
Winter Storm FAQs
What happens when it begins to snow?
Depending on the forecast and anticipated conditions, the Village will pre-treat streets prior to the snowfall.
Why do I never seem to see a plow truck when it snows?
Depending on the severity of the winter storm, it may take upward of 12 to 24 hours following the storm to clear a majority of the streets.
Can I throw snow into the street when I shovel my car or driveway?
No. Shoveling snow into the streets is prohibited and is against the law. Doing so makes the situation worse for everyone, prolongs the need to keep plowing, and creates significant safety hazards.
Can you plow my street in case there is an emergency?
Call 911 in the case of life-threatening emergencies.
Why does the plow not remove all the snow from my street?
The immediate goal is to make streets passable; not to clear them to bare pavement. Once the street has been plowed and salted, the interaction of the salt and traffic is required to melt the remaining snow.
Why do plows push snow into my driveway?
Unfortunately, it cannot be helped. Plow operators plow curb-to-curb for safety reasons. If possible, do not shovel your driveway until the plow has gone by and/or the street is fairly clear.
Why can’t the Village clear driveways?
There are two primary reasons: 1) there are thousands of driveways in Plain City. The task of clearing each one isn’t feasible; and 2) the liability to the Village for damage to driveway approaches is cost prohibitive.
Why do the plows push snow against my car?
Plow operators cannot push snow into oncoming traffic as it would create a hazard and liability. Snow is always pushed toward the curb. Residents are asked to not park on the street during winter events.
Can I pile snow in the middle of my cul-de-sac?
No. Piling the snow in the middle will not get the street cleared quicker. In fact, it will lead to icy patches when the snow melts during the day and refreezes at night.
Who removes snow from the sidewalks?
Property owners are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks.
Who is responsible for clearing handicapped ramps?
The abutting property owner is responsible for clearing snow from handicapped ramps.
What do I do if I experience property damage?
Please contact the Village at 614-873-3527. Please note that there are also private contractors and citizens who drive with plows on their vehicles. Village equipment will be clearly marked.
Avoid Rock Salt on Concrete Sidewalks
As winter weather occurs, the Village understands the importance of keeping sidewalks safe for everyone. However, residents are reminded to avoid using rock salt for de-icing purposes. While it effectively melts ice and snow, rock salt can damage concrete sidewalks. Over time, the corrosive nature of rock salt can lead to damage and deterioration, resulting in costly repairs and safety concerns. We encourage the use of alternative de-icing agents that are less harmful to the infrastructure.
County Snow Emergencies
County snow emergencies are declared and lifted by the Sheriff's Office.
- Level 1: roads are hazardous, drive carefully
- Level 2: roads are hazardous, drive only if necessary
- Level 3: all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel
Visit the appropriate Sheriff's Office website for the latest snow emergency status: Madison County or Union County
Winter Weather Advisories, Watches & Warnings
The issuance of winter weather advisories, watches, and warnings within the region falls under the purview of the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio. The issuance of such advisories is based on specific criteria and potential impacts. Residents should familiarize themselves with these advisories and to remain up-to-date about the potential winter storms. Click to learn more.