25-539 : City Snow Plan 2025-2026

The City of Buffalo's Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets (DPW) has released its 2025-2026 Winter Snow Plan, outlining a comprehensive strategy for snow clearing and removal. The plan details a three-tiered response system for varying snow events: Tier 1 (general snowfall up to 12 inches), Tier 2 (localized extreme snow events over 12 inches), and Tier 3 (citywide/regionwide blizzards over 24-36 inches).

Key Operational Details:

• Fleet & Resources: The DPW maintains a snow fleet, including 5 new 2025 Kenworth plow trucks and 8 new 2025 John Deere front loaders, supplemented by private contractors with a budget of $580,000 for the season, as well as Erie County and New York State resources.
• Salt Supply: The City aims for an initial 3,500-ton salt stockpile, with a 2024-25 purchase agreement for 21,000 tons (2025-26 budget update pending).
• Plowing Goal: To complete at least one plow pass on all residential streets within 24 hours after a snow event ends, prioritizing primary/secondary roads and critical facilities.
• Community Support: Includes nine designated Emergency Warming Centers, expanded 311 services, and winter parking modifications (typically November 15 to April 1) with identified off-street parking lots.
• Communication: Utilizes BUFFALERT, media, Variable Message Signage (VMS), and a public-facing Street Clearing Map with GPS tracking (1-hour delay) to keep residents informed.