Winter Weather Travel Advisory
During snow or ice events, residents are strongly encouraged to avoid driving unless necessary. Even treated roads can remain hazardous due to low temperatures, refreezing, and changing conditions. If you must travel:
• Give crews time to clear roads
• Use caution and reduce speeds
• Monitor weather forecasts and updates
How the City of Memphis Clears Roads During Snow and Ice
The City of Memphis follows a priority-based snow and ice mitigation plan, in effect since 2025, to keep residents safe and maintain access for emergency vehicles and essential services.
When winter weather impacts our area, Public Works crews focus first on primary streets and emergency routes, clearing at least one lane in each direction. As conditions and resources allow, crews then move to select secondary streets with higher traffic volumes. This approach improves overall mobility and aligns with best practices used in cities across Tennessee and across the country.
The map below shows the primary and secondary routes the City will prioritize during snow and ice events. TDOT routes are highlighted in yellow for reference.
Have questions about why certain streets are prioritized or what to expect during a snow or ice event? Scroll past the map for answers to frequently asked questions.
Snow and Ice Operations: Frequently Asked Questions
Why wasn’t my street plowed or treated?
The City of Memphis operates under a priority-based winter operations plan. Public Works crews treat major roads and emergency routes first because they carry the most traffic and are critical for public safety and emergency response. Once those routes are stabilized, crews move into select secondary roads. Because of limited resources, residential streets are not treated during most winter weather events.
What does “priority routes” mean?
Priority routes are primary and secondary streets selected to support emergency response, public safety, and connectivity to interstates and TDOT routes. Crews work to keep at least one lane open in each direction.
What equipment does the City use during snow and ice events?
Public Works operates 15 snow and ice removal trucks and six brine trucks. Crews pretreat with brine when conditions allow and apply straight salt during winter weather events. Snowplows are deployed when accumulations of 2 inches or more are forecast.
Why was snow pushed into my driveway?
When plows clear public streets, a ridge of snow called a “windrow” may form at the end of driveways. While frustrating, this is unavoidable when clearing roads for emergency access. The City is responsible for public streets only and cannot clear individual driveway entrances.
Can crews return to clear my driveway entrance?
No. To keep main roads safe for everyone, crews cannot return to clear individual driveway entrances.
Why don’t plows lift the blade at driveways?
Lifting the blade at each driveway would create unsafe, uneven road conditions and would significantly slow the clearing of priority routes.
What can residents do to reduce snow buildup at driveways?
When facing the street, shovel snow to the right side of your driveway. This helps ensure that when a plow passes, snow is pushed away from your driveway opening rather than back into it.
Where can I find updates during a snow or ice event?
Priority route maps and updates are available here.