Albany Ends Snow Emergency After Towing 302 Cars

City crews continue snow removal efforts as regular parking rules resume

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31pm

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The City of Albany ended its first snow emergency in six years on January 29th, but the Department of General Services (DGS) will continue clearing sidewalks and crosswalks through the weekend and into next week. Despite delays due to parking noncompliance on the first night, the Albany Police Department (APD) towed 302 cars to aid DGS snow removal efforts. Mayor Applyrs praised the work of DGS crews and encouraged residents to cooperate by shoveling sidewalks and adhering to parking rules.

Why it matters

Snow emergencies and the subsequent snow removal efforts are critical for maintaining safe and accessible streets and sidewalks in Albany during the winter months. Parking compliance is a key factor that allows DGS crews to efficiently clear snow, but noncompliance can hinder their progress.

The details

Despite the conclusion of the snow emergency, DGS crews will continue clearing snow every day until the job is done. They have been working mandatory 12-hour shifts since Sunday, removing over 28,000 tons of snow. The Albany Police Department will continue to ticket and tow illegally parked cars to aid the DGS snow removal efforts.

  • The City of Albany ended its first snow emergency in six years at 8 p.m. on January 29, 2026.
  • DGS crews have been working mandatory 12-hour shifts since Sunday, January 26, 2026.

The players

Department of General Services (DGS)

The city department responsible for snow removal efforts in Albany.

Albany Police Department (APD)

The police department that will ticket and tow illegally parked cars to aid DGS snow removal.

Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs

The mayor of Albany who praised the efforts of DGS and APD, and commended residents for their cooperation.

Sergio Panunzio

The DGS commissioner who stated that crews will continue clearing snow every day until the job is done.

Brendan Cox

The Albany Police Chief who emphasized community responsibility in aiding the city's snow removal efforts.

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What they’re saying

“When we band together as a community to alert our neighbors, share important information, or lend a shovel to someone in need of assistance, we can all aid the City in its shared goal of snow removal.”

— Brendan Cox, Albany Police Chief

“We will continue to clear off snow every day until our crews are done.”

— Sergio Panunzio, DGS Commissioner

“Our DGS workers are the unsung heroes of a clean, accessible City.”

— Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs, Mayor

What’s next

The Albany Police Department will continue to ticket and tow illegally parked cars to aid the DGS snow removal efforts in the coming days.

The takeaway

This snow emergency highlights the importance of community cooperation and responsibility in Albany's snow removal process. By adhering to parking rules and assisting neighbors, residents can help the city's DGS crews efficiently clear streets and sidewalks for safe access during the winter months.