Mount Vernon outlines snow priorities: main arterials first, four plows on rotation

Mount Vernon City described its winter operations priorities and asked residents to help by keeping streets clear for plows.

Speaker 1 explained the three-tier priority system used during snow events. Priority 1 includes main arterial streets that serve bus routes and connect fire, police and emergency medical services. Priority 2 covers minor arterials that serve schools and bus routes, plus known trouble spots such as hills and elevated streets. Priority 3 includes remaining streets. "Even with 4 city plows working around the clock, it can take several hours to clear up each route," Speaker 1 said.

Officials warned that during heavy snowfall crews may only be able to maintain Priority 1 roads and encouraged residents to park off-street when snow is forecast so plows can clear routes more quickly and safely. The city did not announce new funding or schedule changes to expand plowing capacity in this update.

The city also highlighted specific trouble spots for crews to monitor, including Freeway Drive and the eastern portion of College Way. Residents with concerns about road access were directed to the city's website for the latest service information.