Snow and Winter Storm Updates

Announcement: January 18, 2026

The City of Watertown is NOT declaring a snow emergency for today's winter storm, however with winter weather coming to Watertown today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we would like to remind residents:

• The overnight winter parking ban is being strictly enforced, with no cars allowed to be parked on the street overnight for longer than 1 hour between 1am and 6am in Watertown. Violators are subject to fines. Please visit watertown-ma.gov/winter to find free off-street winter parking options city-wide!

• Properties are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within 24 hours of the snow fall ending. Not doing so violates the local snow and ice removal ordinance and violators are subject to enforcement. Learn more at watertown-ma.gov/shovel.

• Trash and recycling pickup is on a holiday schedule this week, with Monday pickup scheduled to happen on Tuesday. Please remove your barrels from the roadside until your dedicated trash and recycling pickup day to allow our plows to clear snow during this storm without obstructions.

• Be neighborly! Helping neighbors with snow removal, sharing supplies, or just checking in can go a long way during the winter months. We appreciate everyone's help in keeping Watertown safe and accessible all winter long!

While no snow emergency is being declared, your help in moving your car from the roadway and clearing sidewalks of snow and ice helps our DPW team and entire city during winter events. Stay up to date with winter messages at watertown-ma.gov/snow!

Announcement: November 21, 2025

Important updates on the Overnight Winter Parking Ban and Snow Emergency Parking Fines Increased

Enforcement of the City’s overnight winter parking ban this season will begin on the evening of January 1, 2026 (January 2, at 1:00AM) and end on March 1, 2026. Starting on January 1, no vehicle may remain on any public way for more than one hour between the hours of 1AM and 6AM all days of the week.

The City Council also approved an increased fine of $100 for parking on the street during a declared snow emergency.

For residents in need of off-street parking options beginning on January 1 or during a snow emergency, please visit the Winter Parking Ban webpage where you can find the City’s available off-street parking options. In the event of a snow emergency, which could be declared before, during, or after the winter parking ban months as well, parking is prohibited on Watertown streets for the duration of the snow emergency. Announcements of these events will be made on the Everbridge Emergency Alert System, the City’s social media channels, and on the City’s website. We strongly encourage all residents to Sign up for emergency alerts! This is the fastest way to receive notifications and avoid fines.

This winter season, visit this Snow and Winter Storm Updates page for the latest updates about storm impacts this season.