Utica Mayor Rob Palmieri released a statement on Wednesday to remind residents in the city that the Snow Emergency is still in effect until further notice.

Winter Storm Stella has dumped over 30 inches of snow in a very short amount of time. As a result of the hazardous road conditions caused by the storm, many were forced to abandon their vehicles. In some cases cars were left clogging some city streets.

Mayor Rob Palmieri says,

The City has been in constant coordination and communication with State and County agencies throughout the duration of this storm.  Due to the intensity of this storm, many drivers were forced to abandoned their cars making the plowing operation extremely difficult. We estimate hundreds of cars were abandoned and the State and City have worked diligently to have them removed.   We have towed approximately 75 cars and will continue to do so into the night.

Because the city is under a snow emergency the Mayor is urging people to avoid any unnecessary travel to allow DPW workers to quickly do their best to finish snow removal and clean-up.

UPDATED 11:29- Palmieri says as of 7:00 this morning, over 150 cars have been removed from city streets, allowing the State DOT and Utica DPW to clear 26 streets and 18 intersections that were not previously plowed due to abandoned vehicles.

He says the overwhelming majority of city streets are passable.


BONUS VIDEO: Keeler Comments on Winter Storm 'Stella'

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