NOAA Detroit Metro Airport averages 45.0 inches of snow a season (1991–2020 normals)NOAA January is the snowiest month at 14.0 inches; February averages 12.5 and December 8.9NOAA About 13.6 days a year bring 1 inch of snow or more at Detroit Metro AirportNOAA Normal January high 32.3°F and low 19.2°F at Detroit Metro AirportNWS Detroit Average first measurable snow: November 16; first inch: November 30NOAA About 63 freeze-thaw days a winter, November through March (our count)City of Detroit For all snow events, business owners and residents must clear their sidewalksCity of Detroit Snow removal companies and owners may not put snow from their property onto public roadwaysCity of Detroit Snow-emergency routes get signs up to 48 hours ahead to clear them for plowingWarren Sidewalks cleared within 12 hours after snow falls or accumulates (Sec. 34-60)Sterling Heights Sidewalks on all sides of a home or business cleared within 24 hours of a snowstormTroy Snow over 2 inches and any ice cleared within 24 hours after the event endsSouthfield No parking on any public street 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.; $80 civil infractionProMatcher Detroit driveway and sidewalk visit: about $38.29 on averageSIMA Snow and ice customers are retained 93% of the time year over yearNOAA Detroit Metro Airport averages 45.0 inches of snow a season (1991–2020 normals)NOAA January is the snowiest month at 14.0 inches; February averages 12.5 and December 8.9NOAA About 13.6 days a year bring 1 inch of snow or more at Detroit Metro AirportNOAA Normal January high 32.3°F and low 19.2°F at Detroit Metro AirportNWS Detroit Average first measurable snow: November 16; first inch: November 30NOAA About 63 freeze-thaw days a winter, November through March (our count)City of Detroit For all snow events, business owners and residents must clear their sidewalksCity of Detroit Snow removal companies and owners may not put snow from their property onto public roadwaysCity of Detroit Snow-emergency routes get signs up to 48 hours ahead to clear them for plowingWarren Sidewalks cleared within 12 hours after snow falls or accumulates (Sec. 34-60)Sterling Heights Sidewalks on all sides of a home or business cleared within 24 hours of a snowstormTroy Snow over 2 inches and any ice cleared within 24 hours after the event endsSouthfield No parking on any public street 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.; $80 civil infractionProMatcher Detroit driveway and sidewalk visit: about $38.29 on averageSIMA Snow and ice customers are retained 93% of the time year over year

Check Before You Go

Freezing rain and snow can change the roads fast. These are the official places to check, and we link every one.

What	Where to check	Source
Road conditions, cameras, incidents and closures	MDOT Mi Drive	Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Forecasts, winter storm watches and warnings	National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac, weather.gov/dtx	National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac
Detroit snow-emergency routes and plowing levels	Detroit DPW Snow & Ice Management	City of Detroit DPW

How Detroit Plows Its Streets

Detroit DPW uses a three-level system. For Level 1 storms, 3 inches or less of snow or freezing rain, which is about 80% of Detroit snow events, crews remove snow only from major thoroughfares by salting them. Snow-emergency routes, marked with red-and-white signs, get signs posted up to 48 hours in advance to clear them of parked cars for plowing.

Watch for Signs

Red-and-white signs mark snow-emergency routes. When signs go up, move your car off the route.

Side Streets Wait

In a light storm, residential streets are not first. Leave extra time and drive for the conditions.

No Snow in the Road

Snow removal companies and property owners may not put snow from their property onto public roadways.

Source: City of Detroit DPW.

Winter Parking Rules

City	Rule	Source
Detroit	Snow-emergency route signs posted up to 48 hours ahead; move cars off the posted routes	City of Detroit DPW
Southfield	No parking on any public street 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., all year; $80 civil infraction; police permits up to seven days	City of Southfield
Sterling Heights	In a declared snow emergency, park off the street or be ticketed and towed	City of Sterling Heights
Livonia	Remove vehicles from the street in a snow emergency; vehicles not removed may be ticketed and/or towed	City of Livonia
Dearborn	Outdoor sirens announce a snow emergency; vehicles left on the street will be ticketed	City of Dearborn

Before You Drive

Clear the Whole Car

Clear snow and ice off the windows, lights and roof before you go, and don't start off until the windshield is defrosted.

Pack a Winter Kit

Ice scraper, a small shovel, traction mats or kitty litter, blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight and a phone charger.

If You Get Stuck

Pull as far off the road as you can, turn on the flashers and don't overexert yourself shoveling or pushing.

Advisories change with each storm; always check Mi Drive and the National Weather Service before you go.

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Winter Travel Advisories