Milwaukee DPW Prepares for Winter Storm, Plans 100 Crews for Snow Removal

DPW says crews and equipment are ready to respond to overnight snowfall, anticipating 100 crews working around the clock to clear streets.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:48am

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The Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) is preparing for a winter storm expected to hit the area on Sunday night into Monday. DPW says it is calling in about 100 crews and pieces of equipment to work around the clock in 12-hour shifts to clear streets and ensure they are safe and passable. The department warns of potential travel impacts during the Monday morning commute and says it will likely have to delay leaf collection by a few days due to the snow.

Why it matters

Milwaukee residents rely on DPW's snow removal efforts to keep roads clear and accessible during winter storms. This preparation and response helps minimize disruptions to daily life and commutes, ensuring public safety. The delay in leaf collection also impacts residents who have already placed leaves out for pickup.

The details

DPW says its crews and equipment are ready to respond to the expected snowfall, anticipating that it will call about 100 crews/pieces of equipment to work around the clock in 12-hour shifts until the snow has stopped and all streets are safe and passable. Due to the storm, DPW says it will likely have to delay leaf collection by a few days, but a full leaf collection cycle across the city will still be completed. DPW adds that its operators will make every effort to avoid plowing leaves onto lawns, and with warmer temperatures expected later in the week, snow is expected to remain in parking lanes during cleanup operations.

  • The winter storm is expected to hit the Milwaukee area on Sunday night into Monday.
  • DPW says leaf collection was scheduled to begin on Monday, but will likely be delayed by a few days due to the snow.
  • Temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 40s by Thursday.

The players

Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW)

The city department responsible for maintaining and clearing Milwaukee's streets and infrastructure, including snow removal operations.

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What’s next

DPW says there are no current winter parking regulation impacts, but parking lanes on both main and residential streets may still be affected by snow during cleanup operations until warmer temperatures melt the snow.

The takeaway

Milwaukee's DPW is proactively preparing for the upcoming winter storm, mobilizing a large crew of around 100 workers to clear streets and ensure safe travel. While this will likely delay leaf collection by a few days, the department's efforts demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the city's infrastructure and keeping residents safe during inclement weather.