Be prepared for inclement weather conditions
Proactive Anti-Icing
In Tacoma, City crews start anti-icing operations at the first report of freezing temperatures. Crews mobilize and pre-treat the anti-icing routes with salt brine (a saltwater solution), which reduces the bonding of ice to the streets. Depending on the severity and intensity of the forecasted freezing temperatures, crews will pre-treat the City’s street system based upon the following priorities: bridges, bridge approaches, shaded hills and curves. If snow is also in the forecast, crews will pre-treat designated snow routes.
Snow Response
City crews plow and de-ice streets on a priority level, beginning with primary arterial streets, followed by secondary and auxiliary routes. City crews clear one lane of traffic in each direction on prioritized Snow Routes. The time required to work through the primary, secondary and auxiliary routes depends on the intensity of a particular snow storm and how much snow or ice accumulates. Crews aren’t able to remove snow from residential streets.
City of Tacoma’s Snow Routes map (pdf)
Pierce Transit and the Public Works Department have worked together to make sure transit routes are ready for winter weather, and residents are encouraged to leave their personal vehicles at home and use public transportation during storms.
Garbage and Recycling
If your containers were not picked up due to especially treacherous road conditions around your neighborhood, please leave your containers out. The City will collect them later. To report a missed pickup or for other questions, please call (253) 591-5543.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
In accordance with Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) 9.16.050, property owners must see to the removal of snow and ice from bordering public sidewalks within 24 hours. City crew’s clear sidewalks of snow and ice only from sidewalks adjacent to City-owned properties. Together, these efforts help members of our community to get around safely.
Fallen Trees
Abutting property owners are responsible for maintaining the right-of-way in a manner that is safe for the public, including fallen trees in plated strips. Public Works will remove sections of downed trees that are blocking the street or sidewalk only. Tree debris will be placed in the planted strip between the sidewalk and the curb by the owner's property for the property owner to arrange disposal of. To report the location of a downed tree, call (253) 591-5495.
Power Lines
Power lines from pole to house are the property owner's responsibility to maintain. However, you may report trees hung up in power lines or down lines to Tacoma Power (253) 502-8602. To have the power shut off for pruning, please call Tacoma Power and leave a message at (253) 502-8729.
Alerts and School Closures
WSDOT travel alerts
Tacoma Public School Closures
Winter Preparedness
Pierce County Emergency Information
Ready.gov
Take Winter by Storm
Phone Numbers
Tacoma First - 311
Public Works Emergencies - (253) 591-5495
Police Non-Emergencies - (253) 798-4721
Emergencies - 911
Fire - (253) 591-5737