Winter Storm Warning Prompts Full Citywide Plow Operations in Coon Rapids

COON RAPIDS, Minn. - A powerful winter storm is bearing down on the north metro, prompting City of Coon Rapids officials to activate a full-scale snow response as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions impact the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Anoka County, in effect through 9:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29. Forecasters expect 7 to 10 inches of snow in the Coon Rapids area, with northwest wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour creating blowing and drifting snow. Periodic whiteout conditions are possible, making travel very difficult to impossible, especially overnight and during the Monday morning commute. 

Citywide Snow Operations Underway

In response to the storm, the City of Coon Rapids has implemented its winter storm operations plan, with public works crews already on the streets and working extended shifts.

On Sunday, Dec. 28, crews are focusing on primary roads, including major arterials and emergency corridors. This phase of operations is scheduled to continue until 4:00 p.m., ensuring that critical routes remain as passable as possible during peak snowfall.

A full citywide plow is scheduled to begin at 2:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29. During a full plow, all city-maintained roads are cleared from curb to curb. City officials note that this process takes several hours to complete and often requires multiple passes by different plow trucks before snow is fully removed from curb lines.

Residents may see plows return to the same street more than once. Officials say this is a normal and necessary part of achieving curb-to-curb clearance during a major snow event.

Sidewalk Clearing and Facility Closures

Following the completion of the full plow, sidewalks will be cleared within 48 hours, according to city officials.

Due to unsafe conditions caused by snow and wind, all warming houses at city outdoor ice rinks are closed on Sunday, Dec. 28.

Parking Restrictions and Resident Cooperation

City officials are reminding residents that winter parking regulations are strictly enforced during snow emergencies.

Key rules include:

• No overnight street parking between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• When snow accumulation exceeds 3 inches, parking is prohibited on all public streets until they have been plowed curb to curb

Residents are also asked to keep parked vehicles, trailers, garbage bins, basketball hoops, and other obstacles off city streets. Items left in the roadway slow plowing operations and prevent crews from effectively clearing snow to the curb.

Travel Safety Urged

Local and state authorities, including the Minnesota State Patrol, are advising residents to avoid non-essential travel while the storm continues. Drivers who must be on the roads are urged to reduce speeds, increase following distance, and carry an emergency kit that includes items such as a flashlight, food, water, and warm clothing.

Motorists are encouraged to check real-time road conditions through 511 Minnesota, which provides updates on traffic speeds, incidents, and weather-related impacts statewide.

City officials thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as crews work around the clock to manage what is shaping up to be one of the most significant winter storms of the season.

“Our crews are on it,” the city said in its advisory. “Keeping streets clear of parked vehicles and other obstacles helps us restore safe travel conditions as quickly and effectively as possible.”

Residents are encouraged to monitor official City of Coon Rapids communication channels for updates as snowfall and wind continue into Monday morning.

MinneapoliMedia