Storm Categories

All storms are divided into levels. Level I encompasses storms with less than two inches of snow accumulation; Level II storms range from two inches to less than six inches, and Level III storms range from six inches to greater than twelve inches of snow accumulation. Within each of these Levels, storms are further divided into Categories (Category 1 to 6) to indicate the estimated severity of the weather conditions, the actions necessary, and the estimated time to complete each action.

Level I

• Category 1 (Minor) - A frost, ice, or nuisance snow. May include isolated icing on hills, bridges, overpasses, and some intersections. The areas are patrolled on a 24-hour basis and salt is applied to problem areas. Typically 0 to 4 hours are estimated to complete.
• Category 2 (Minor) - A prediction of less than 2 inches of snow. All hills, bridges, overpasses and major intersections on snow routes are treated with rock salt or liquid calcium chloride as needed. Depending upon conditions, all Snow Routes may be treated. Typically 4 to 8 hours to complete after the storm has ended.

Level II

• Category 3 (Major) - A prediction of two to four inches of snow. Parking restrictions for all marked Snow Routes are in effect as indicated on the signs. Other parking restrictions may be implemented. All streets in the City are plowed and, where necessary, streets and intersections may be treated with salt. Mobility will be maintained in alleys. Typically 8 to 18 hours are estimated to complete after the storm has ended.
• Category 4 (Major) - A prediction of four to six inches of snow. Parking restrictions for all marked Snow Routes are in effect as indicated on the signs. Other parking restrictions may be implemented. All streets in the City are plowed and, where necessary, streets and intersections may be treated with salt. Mobility will be maintained in alleys. Typically 18 hours are estimated to complete plowing after the storm has ended.

Level III

• Category 5 (Major) - A prediction of six to twelve inches of snow. Parking restrictions are implemented for all marked Snow Routes as indicated on the signs. Other parking restrictions may be implemented. All streets in the City are plowed and, where necessary, streets and/or intersections may be treated with salt as required. Due to the accumulation of snow, in/out plowing will be implemented for off-route streets. Mobility in alleys will be maintained and the City may clear and remove snow from sidewalks in the downtown area and along curbside sidewalks along higher-speed arterials. A command center to assist in communications and coordination may also be implemented. ESDA may declare an emergency and request State or other assistance. Typically 18 hours to complete plowing and treating once the storm has ended. May take up to 7 days for removal and pushing back snow once streets are cleared.
• Category 6 (Major) - A prediction of more than twelve inches of snow. Parking restrictions are implemented for all marked Snow Routes as indicated on the signs. Other parking restrictions may be implemented. All streets in the City are plowed and, where necessary, streets and/or intersections may be treated with salt as required. Due to the accumulation of snow, in/out plowing will be implemented for off-route streets. Mobility in alleys will be maintained and the City may clear and remove snow from sidewalks in the downtown area and along curbside sidewalks along higher-speed arterials using private contractors. A command center to assist in communications and coordination will be implemented. ESDA may declare an emergency and request State or other assistance. Typically 18 hours to complete plowing and treating once the storm has ended. May take up to 14 days for removal and pushing back snow once streets are cleared.

During high winds, drifting, and/or blizzard-like conditions, the main arterials are repeatedly plowed as needed, even if off-streets are still snow-covered. These conditions, as well as heavier snow, often lengthen the time needed to clear the snow.

The annual average snowfall for the Peoria area (according to the National Weather Service) is 24 inches.

Rock salt (sodium chloride) is spread on streets to prevent unsafe travel conditions when either snow or ice begins to accumulate. It takes three hours or more to completely salt the City's roadways. The amount of salt used is based on total snow accumulation, outside temperature, and traffic conditions since temperature and vehicular traffic are critical factors in the effectiveness of salt. The City uses caution to ensure salt applications are not excessive and, therefore, detrimental to the environment or vehicles.