By Shereen Siewert
Wausau has declared a snow emergency beginning Sunday night in advance of a winter storm expected to dump several inches of heavy snow throughout the region.
A snow emergency is in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 until 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10. The fine for parking on the street during a snow emergency in Wausau is $100.
City officials say snow emergencies are declared to ensure crews can plow and remove snow from streets, in part to ensure emergency vehicles can respond to calls. Keeping parked vehicles off the streets reduces the risk of crashes with snow plow equipment during heavy snow and low visibility situations, officials said.
Residents should also make sure garbage and recycling containers are placed behind the curb for pickup.
Blowing or plowing snow into the street is a violation of city ordinance as well.
Widespread hazardous travel conditions are expected Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Green Bay. The highest snow totals are anticipated over central and northeastern Wisconsin.
