The City of Knoxville is preparing for yet another onslaught of snow; the snow ordinance is in effect, which means no vehicles may be parked on city streets. Violators could be ticketed or towed.

Police Chief Dan Losada told the City Council on Monday night the number of vehicles left out on the street during this weekend’s snowfall went up from the last snowstorm; he says the city needs these streets empty, so plows can clear the roads quickly.

The public is also being asked to help keep hydrants clear of snow; valuable time can be lost during a fire, if firefighters have to clear away snow from a partly or fully-buried hydrant.

Homeowners or business owners with a nearby hydrant are asked to clear at least three feet of snow around it; they should use shovels or brooms instead of snowblowers when working up close to the hydrant, in order to avoid damaging it.