City of Fall River releases info on parking, closures, trash, snow removal, shelter, ahead of nor’easter

(FALL RIVER, MA-February 12, 2024)- Due to the snowstorm predicted to drop heavy snow in our area on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Mayor Paul Coogan has released important reminders and updates for residents.

Parking:

A parking ban will be in effect from 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 12, 2024, until further notice. Parking is only allowed on the north side of city streets that run east and west and on the west side of streets that run north and south. Parking is allowed, unless posted on both sides of any street that is divided by a traffic median. Parking against a median is prohibited. Parking is not allowed within 20 feet of a corner to allow access for snow removal vehicles.

Strict adherence to the parking ban: All vehicles in violation of the parking ban will be tagged and towed prior to the start of the snowfall and throughout the storm for public safety.

Parking is available at the following locations until the ban is no longer in effect:

Flint Municipal Parking Lot on Cash Street
Municipal Parking Lot on Columbia Street
Talbot Middle School on Melrose Street
Morton Middle School Parking Lot on Hood Street

Residents are reminded of the following:

Saving parking spots by placing furniture or household objects in the street is prohibited by law. Placing objects in the street to reserve a parking spot is punishable by fine.

Utilize driveways and consider sharing off-street parking with neighbors.

It is the responsibility of each homeowner to clear sidewalks of snow. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine.

Do not throw snow into the street.

If there is a fire hydrant located near your property, please ensure that it is cleared so that emergency services can access the hydrant if needed. Please also ensure that catch basins are free of snow.

If you are willing to volunteer to clear sidewalks for sick, disabled or elderly residents, please contact the Mayor’s office at 508-324-2600.

Closures:

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, City services will be as follows:

Trash collection will be delayed a day.
Fall River Government Center will be closed on Tuesday.
Public Library will be closed on Tuesday.
Senior Centers will be closed on Tuesday.

Phone Numbers & Contact Information:

Please call the following numbers with snow related issues:
MAYOR’S OFFICE: 508-324-2600
TRAFFIC DEPT: 508-324-2577 or 508-207-2584
DPW: 508-324-2762

For members of the homeless population in need of shelter, please reach out to the First Step Inn at 134 Durfee Street at 508-679-8001 or call the Emergency Homeless Hotline at 508-676-3528.

At 7:00am on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the First Baptist Church at 228 North Main St (Pine Street entrance) will open for shelter needs and remain open through 8:00am on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

Public School has also been canceled for Tuesday in Fall River.

Also, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the area from 1 AM Tuesday to 1 AM EST Wednesday.

Travel could be very difficult with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will particularly impact the Tuesday morning commute.

Heaviest snow likely occurs roughly between 10 AM and 3 PM.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.