Salem Declares Snow Emergency Parking Ban Amid North Shore Winter Storm

Coastal region expected to see over a foot of snow from ocean-effect storm.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 12:39pm

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The city of Salem, Massachusetts has declared a snow emergency parking ban as a winter storm is expected to bring over a foot of snow to the North Shore region. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Essex County, with the coastal areas forecast to be the hardest hit areas across the state.

Why it matters

Heavy snowfall can create dangerous driving conditions and make it difficult for plows to clear roads efficiently. The snow emergency parking ban allows public works crews to plow and treat the roads more effectively without having to work around parked vehicles.

The details

The snow emergency parking ban went into effect at 9 p.m. on Friday for the entire city of Salem, and at midnight for the downtown area. All vehicles must be removed from public streets to allow crews to safely and efficiently plow and treat the roadways. Forecasts are calling for over a foot of snow across the North Shore region as a result of the ocean-effect storm.

  • The snow emergency parking ban went into effect at 9 p.m. on Friday for the entire city.
  • The snow emergency parking ban went into effect at midnight on Friday for downtown Salem locations.

The players

Salem

The city of Salem, Massachusetts that has declared a snow emergency parking ban in response to the impending winter storm.

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What’s next

Residents are advised to remove their vehicles from public streets to allow for efficient snow plowing and treatment of the roads.

The takeaway

This snow emergency highlights the importance of municipal preparedness and coordination to ensure public safety during major winter storms, especially in coastal regions that can be hit hard by ocean-effect snowfall.