Winter Storm Fern, which impacted over 240 million Americans from January 22-26, 2026, demonstrated once again that effective communication is critical when severe weather threatens communities. The historic storm—spanning nearly 2,000 miles from Northern Mexico to Maine—brought catastrophic ice accumulations up to 0.75 inches across the South, record-breaking snowfall exceeding 22 inches in some areas, and left over 1 million customers without power at its peak.

During Winter Storm Fern, municipalities using GOGov Citizen Notifications sent nearly 500 notifications to keep residents informed and safe. From parking ban alerts and facility closures to real-time ice accumulation updates and power outage information, these proactive communications helped residents make critical decisions about travel, preparation, and safety.

“GOGov’s Citizen Notifications have strengthened communication between the city and our residents, especially during emergencies. During the recent winter storm, it allowed us to quickly share preparation information, street closures, and critical updates, helping our community stay informed when it mattered most.” Amanda Brunt, Technology & Public Information Director, City of Hopkinsville

Why did these communities choose GOGov? Because relying solely on social media or hoping residents check your website simply isn't enough when lives are at stake. GOGov's multi-channel notification platform delivers critical information directly to residents via push notifications, SMS, voice calls, and email—ensuring alerts reach everyone, not just those who happen to see a social media post.

This comprehensive guide outlines best practices for winter storm communication before, during, and after severe weather events, with practical examples and message templates local governments can implement immediately.

“GOGov has proven to be a reliable notification system for the Town of Benson. The direct to email/smartphone alerts are a great way to keep residents informed in the moment. We use GOGov for all kinds of things, but it’s a great tool for emergency situations.” Tyler Douglas, Public Information Officer for the Town of Benson

Before the Storm: Proactive Communication Builds Trust and Preparedness

Start Early with Storm Watches and Warnings

The National Weather Service typically issues winter storm watches 24-48 hours in advance. This is your window to begin proactive communication with residents.

Best Practice: Send an initial alert as soon as a winter storm watch is issued for your area, even if conditions are still uncertain.

Headline: Winter Storm Watch Issued – Severe Weather Expected
Tagline: Heavy snow, ice, and damaging winds forecast
Message: The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for our area from Thursday at 6 PM through Saturday at noon. Forecasters expect 6-10 inches of snow, significant ice accumulation, and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Dangerous travel conditions likely. Monitor weather conditions closely and prepare now: stock essential supplies (food, water, medications), charge all devices, fill gas tanks, and insulate exposed pipes. We will continue to provide updates as conditions develop. Full forecast details available in the app.

✅ Why this works: Early notification allows residents time to prepare without creating panic. It establishes your municipality as a reliable information source from the start.

Communicate Pre-Storm Preparations and Safety Tips

Many residents—especially those in areas that don't regularly experience severe winter weather—may not know how to prepare properly.

Best Practice: Send detailed preparation guidance 24-36 hours before anticipated storm arrival.

Headline: Prepare Now: Winter Storm Arrives Thursday Evening
Tagline: Stock up today; dangerous conditions expected through Saturday
Message: Winter weather will impact our area starting Thursday evening with heavy snow, ice, and high winds through Saturday morning. Prepare TODAY:

• Stock food, water, medications for 3+ days
• Charge all electronic devices
• Fill vehicle gas tanks
• Insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip
• Bring pets indoors
• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Identify alternate heating sources if power fails
• Check on elderly neighbors

Avoid travel Thursday evening through Friday. Ice accumulation will make roads extremely dangerous. Full preparation checklist: [link in app]. Stay safe!

✅ Why this works: Specific, actionable steps help residents prepare effectively and reduce calls to municipal offices asking "what should I do?" Emphasizing ice danger addresses specific threats.

Announce Snow Parking Restrictions in Advance

Snow parking bans and restrictions are one of the most critical—and frequently violated—winter storm communications.

Best Practice: Announce parking restrictions at least 12-24 hours before they take effect, and send reminder notifications as the deadline approaches.

Headline: SNOW PARKING BAN: No Street Parking Starting Thursday 4 PM
Tagline: Effective Thursday at 4 PM until further notice
Message: Due to approaching winter weather, a SNOW PARKING BAN will be in effect starting Thursday at 4 PM until further notice. ALL vehicles must be removed from city streets to allow plow and ice treatment crews to work safely and effectively. Violators will be TOWED at owner's expense (approximately $200+ tow fee). Free parking available at: City Garage (123 Main St), Community Center lot (456 Oak Ave), High School lot (789 Elm St). Snow route map available in app. This ban will remain in effect through the weekend. Questions: Public Works 555-SNOW. Help us help you—move vehicles now!

✅ Why this works: Clear consequences (towing + cost), specific timing, and multiple alternative parking locations prevent violations and ensure effective snow removal and ice treatment. Emphasizing crew safety builds community support.

Coordinate Facility and Office Closure Announcements

Residents need advance notice of municipal facility closures so they can plan accordingly.

Best Practice: Announce anticipated closures 24 hours in advance when possible, and confirm or update as conditions develop.

Headline: City Offices & Facilities Closing Friday Due to Winter Storm
Tagline: All facilities closed Friday; online services available 24/7
Message: Due to dangerous conditions from the approaching winter storm, the following facilities will be CLOSED all day Friday:

• City Hall
• Public Library
• Recreation Center
• Senior Center
• Community Center

Online bill pay, permit applications, and information available 24/7 via app and website: [link]. For critical issues ONLY: Public Works 555-HELP, Police non-critical 555-POLICE. Roads are expected to be ice-covered and unsafe—avoid all unnecessary travel. We will notify you Saturday morning regarding weekend facility status. Stay home and stay safe!

✅ Why this works: Residents know what services are unavailable and what alternatives exist. Prevents unnecessary trips to closed facilities and emphasizes the seriousness of road conditions.

Communicate School Closures and Decisions

While school districts typically make their own closure decisions, municipalities can amplify these messages—especially in communities where the city operates recreation programs or after-school services.

Best Practice: Coordinate with school districts to share closure information simultaneously, and clarify what city services are affected.

Headline: Schools CLOSED Friday; City Programs Cancelled
Tagline: All district schools and city youth programs cancelled
Message: [School District Name] has announced all schools will be CLOSED Friday due to dangerous road conditions from the winter storm. Ice accumulation makes travel unsafe for buses and families. All related activities CANCELLED:

• After-school programs
• Sports practices and games
• City-run youth programs
• Recreation Center activities

Decision for Monday will be announced by Saturday evening at 6 PM. School district will post updates on their website and app. Stay safe and off the roads!

✅ Why this works: Parents receive consolidated information about both schools and related city programs in one place. Setting expectations for when the next decision will be made reduces uncertainty.

Announce Trash and Recycling Schedule Changes

Waste collection is almost always impacted by major winter storms, but many residents will put carts out unless specifically notified otherwise.

Best Practice: Announce schedule changes 12-24 hours in advance, with clear instructions on what residents should do.

Headline: Trash Collection DELAYED – All Routes Pushed Back One Day
Tagline: Friday collection postponed; adjusted schedule below
Message: Due to hazardous ice and snow conditions from the winter storm, ALL trash and recycling collection is DELAYED ONE DAY this week:

• Thursday routes → Friday
• Friday routes → Saturday

Keep carts INSIDE until your adjusted collection day. Carts left at curb may blow over in high winds. Place carts at curb by 6 AM on your new collection day. Clear 3-foot path to cart and remove snow/ice around it. Crews will work extended hours through Saturday to complete all routes. Questions: Waste Management 555-TRASH. Thank you for your patience!

✅ Why this works: Residents know exactly when to put out carts and don't waste time placing them on incorrect days. Warning about wind prevents carts from blowing into streets and causing hazards.

Share Event Postponements and Cancellations

Community events scheduled during storm periods need to be addressed proactively.

Best Practice: Announce event changes as soon as decisions are made, and provide rescheduled dates when available.

Headline: City Council Meeting POSTPONED
Tagline: Tonight's meeting moved due to winter storm
Message: Tonight's City Council meeting is POSTPONED due to dangerous travel conditions from the winter storm. Ice accumulation makes roads unsafe for residents to attend. The meeting has been rescheduled to next Thursday at 7 PM at City Hall (same location). The agenda remains the same. Reminder will be sent 24 hours before the rescheduled meeting. Citizens can submit comments via email through next Wednesday: clerk@[city].gov. Public safety is our priority—stay home tonight!

✅ Why this works: Clear rescheduling information prevents confusion and maintains civic engagement. Emphasizing safety over convenience demonstrates responsible leadership.

Communicate about Community Resources and Warming Centers

Before severe cold arrives, residents need to know where they can go for warmth and safety.

Best Practice: Announce warming centers and support resources 12-24 hours before dangerous cold begins.

Headline: Warming Centers Open During Extreme Cold
Tagline: Free shelter, meals, and charging stations available 24/7
Message: With temperatures dropping to 5°F (-15°C) and wind chills reaching -10°F (-23°C) during the winter storm, warming centers will be OPEN 24/7 from Friday through Saturday:

• Community Center: 123 Main St
• Fire Station #2: 456 Oak Ave
• Senior Center: 789 Elm St

Free hot meals, charging stations, cots, blankets available. No ID required. Transportation assistance available: call 555-HELP. If you know someone without heat or adequate shelter, please help them access these resources. Homeless outreach teams are active. Frostbite can occur in 10-15 minutes in these conditions. Stay warm and safe!

✅ Why this works: Provides critical safety net information for vulnerable residents and encourages community members to look out for each other. Specific temperature and wind chill data helps residents understand the danger.

During the Storm: Real-Time Updates Keep Residents Safe and Informed

Provide Weather Condition Updates

As the storm develops, residents need periodic updates—especially if conditions are worsening or improving faster than predicted.

Best Practice: Send condition updates every 4-6 hours during active storm periods, or more frequently if conditions change rapidly.

Headline: UPDATE: Ice Accumulation Increasing; Roads Extremely Dangerous
Tagline: 1/4" ice recorded; more freezing rain expected through tonight
Message: Storm update as of 2 PM Friday: 1/4 inch of ice accumulation recorded with freezing rain continuing. Additional 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice expected through midnight. Roads are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS—multiple accidents reported on all major routes. Power outages affecting 2,500 homes (updates from power company at 555-POWER). DO NOT TRAVEL unless absolutely necessary. Tree limbs breaking under ice weight—stay away from downed power lines (call 911). Temperatures will drop to 8°F tonight, freezing existing ice solid. Plow and salt crews cannot work safely in these conditions. Next update at 6 PM.

✅ Why this works: Residents understand current conditions are worsening, why crews aren't out yet (ice prevents safe operations), and when to expect the next update. Specific ice measurements convey severity.

Communicate Road Closures and Conditions

Road closures can change rapidly during winter storms. Real-time notification prevents residents from attempting travel on impassable routes.

Best Practice: Send immediate notifications when major roads close, and update when they reopen.

Headline: ROAD CLOSURE: Highway 45 Closed – Multiple Ice Accidents
Tagline: Closed between Miller Rd & Oak St until further notice
Message: Highway 45 is CLOSED between Miller Road and Oak Street due to ice-covered roadway and multiple vehicle accidents. Semi-truck jackknifed blocking all lanes. Closure expected until at least 8 PM while crews clear accidents, treat ice, and assess road safety. DETOUR: Use Route 12 to Elm Street (add 15 minutes). ALL roads are ice-covered and extremely hazardous. Multiple accidents reported throughout the city. If you don't absolutely NEED to travel, STAY HOME. Bridges and overpasses especially dangerous. Real-time road conditions and closure map in app. Drive at your own risk.

✅ Why this works: Explains WHY the road is closed (accidents, ice), provides realistic reopening estimate, offers specific alternate route with time impact, and reinforces that ALL roads are dangerous.

Update on Plow Progress and Ice Treatment

Residents want to know when their streets will be cleared. Transparent communication about priorities and challenges (like ice) reduces frustration.

Best Practice: Send periodic updates on treatment progress, explaining why ice storms require different approaches than snow.

Headline: Ice Treatment Update: Priority Routes Being Salted
Tagline: Main roads treated first; ice removal takes 48+ hours
Message: Crews have been working continuously for 24 hours treating roads with salt and sand. Current status:

• Hospitals, fire stations, police routes: TREATED (still slippery)
• Main arterials (Highway 45, Main St, Oak Ave): IN PROGRESS
• Secondary roads: Starting Saturday AM
• Residential streets: Saturday afternoon/Sunday

IMPORTANT: Ice cannot be "plowed" like snow. Salt needs time to work (6-12 hours) and only works above 15°F. With temps at 8°F, effectiveness is limited. Estimated 48-72 hours until all routes are safe. Crews working 12-hour shifts around the clock. Help us: keep vehicles off streets, avoid unnecessary travel. Track treatment progress in app. Thank you for patience!

✅ Why this works: Educates residents about why ice is different from snow, sets realistic expectations (48-72 hours vs. normal 24), and explains the science (salt effectiveness at low temps). Reduces "why isn't my street done yet?" calls.

Share Power Outage Information and Safety Guidance

Ice storms often cause widespread power outages. While municipalities don't control restoration, they can share critical information.

Best Practice: Share utility company contact information, safety guidance, and warming center locations during outages.

Headline: Power Outage Information & Generator Safety
Tagline: 3,500+ without power; restoration estimated 24-48 hours
Message: Widespread power outages reported due to ice on power lines and falling tree limbs. Current outages: 3,500+ customers. To report outages or check restoration status: [Utility Company] 555-POWER or [website]. Outage map: [link]. Estimated restoration: 24-48 hours for most areas.

CRITICAL SAFETY:

• NEVER use generators indoors (carbon monoxide kills)
• Keep generators 20+ feet from windows/doors
• Refrigerator food safe 4 hours if unopened; freezer 24-48 hours
• Report downed power lines: 911 immediately
• Warming centers OPEN 24/7 (see previous message)

Stay safe. We will update as restoration progresses.

✅ Why this works: Provides realistic restoration timeline, emphasizes critical generator safety (carbon monoxide deaths spike during outages), and directs residents to warming centers and proper reporting channels.

Communicate About Frozen Pipe Prevention

Extreme cold during and after ice storms creates frozen pipe risks.

Best Practice: Send prevention guidance before the coldest temperatures arrive.

Headline: EXTREME COLD Tonight: Protect Pipes from Freezing
Tagline: Temps dropping to 5°F; burst pipes cause thousands in damage
Message: Temperatures will drop to 5°F (-15°C) tonight with wind chills of -10°F (-23°C). Frozen pipes can burst, causing THOUSANDS in water damage. Protect your home NOW:

• Let all faucets drip (pencil-width stream)
• Open cabinet doors under sinks
• Keep heat at 55°F+ even if away
• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces/attics
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses
• Cover outdoor faucets

Already frozen? NEVER use open flame to thaw! Call licensed plumber or Public Works for advice: 555-PIPE. Prevention checklist in app. A few dollars in water waste prevents thousands in repairs!

✅ Why this works: Starts with the financial consequence (thousands in damage) to motivate action, provides specific, easy-to-visualize instructions (pencil-width stream), includes critical safety warning (no open flames), and offers professional help resources.

After the Storm: Recovery Communication and Service Restoration

Announce When Conditions Are Improving

Once the worst has passed, residents need to know what's safe and what still requires caution.

Best Practice: Send a conditions update when the storm ends, but be clear about ongoing hazards.

Headline: Winter Storm Has Passed; Roads Still Hazardous
Tagline: Snow/ice ended but surfaces remain dangerous through Sunday
Message: Good news! The winter storm has moved out of our area as of Saturday at 2 PM. No additional snow or ice expected. However, roads remain HAZARDOUS:

• Ice-covered surfaces will remain dangerous until temps rise above freezing (Monday forecast)
• Refreezing tonight will make treated roads slippery again
• Many secondary and residential streets still untreated

AVOID TRAVEL unless absolutely necessary through Sunday. Crews continue 24/7 ice treatment operations. Warming centers remain OPEN through Sunday evening. Power restoration ongoing (3,500 still without power). We will update Sunday morning on facility reopening plans. Stay patient and stay safe!

✅ Why this works: Celebrates that the storm has ended while managing expectations that recovery takes time. Explains why roads are still dangerous (existing ice, refreezing) and what's improving.

Announce Parking Ban Lifted and Facility Reopenings

Once roads are safe and operations can resume, residents need clear information about what's back to normal.

Best Practice: Send an "all clear" notification with specific reopening times and remaining restrictions.

Headline: UPDATE: Parking Ban Lifted; Most Facilities Reopen Monday
Tagline: Normal operations resume Monday; some restrictions remain
Message: Snow parking ban is LIFTED as of Sunday at 6 PM. You may now park on streets. Facilities reopening Monday:

• City Hall: 8 AM
• Public Library: 10 AM
• Recreation Center: 6 AM
• Senior Center: 9 AM

Community Center remains closed until Tuesday for heating system repairs. Some residential streets still have ice—crews working through Monday. Drive slowly and watch for equipment. Warming centers CLOSE Monday at 8 AM. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the winter storm!

✅ Why this works: Residents know exactly what's back to normal, what's still closed, and why. Sets expectations that some recovery work continues. Thanks community for cooperation.

Communicate Trash Collection Return to Normal

After storm delays, residents need clarity on when regular schedules resume.

Best Practice: Provide specific timeline for when collection returns to normal and what to do with missed pickups.

Headline: Trash Collection Returns to Normal Schedule Monday
Tagline: Regular schedule resumes Monday; Saturday catch-up complete
Message: Trash and recycling collection returns to NORMAL SCHEDULE starting Monday. All storm delays have been cleared. This week's schedule is your regular day.

Weekend catch-up summary:

• Saturday: Friday delayed routes COMPLETED
• Sunday: No collection (crews rest after 72-hour shifts)

If your trash was not collected during storm delays, crews caught up on Saturday. If you still need pickup, call Waste Management 555-TRASH by Monday 8 AM. Thank you for securing carts during high winds and helping crews work safely!

✅ Why this works: Clear "back to normal" message prevents confusion. Acknowledges crew effort (72-hour shifts) and thanks residents for cooperation (securing carts). Provides specific recourse if someone was missed.

Share Storm Damage Reporting Procedures

After major storms, municipalities need organized damage reporting to assess and address issues.

Best Practice: Provide clear, simple reporting procedures with specific categories of what to report.

Headline: Report Storm Damage for Fastest Response
Tagline: Help us assess and repair winter storm damage
Message: As our community recovers from the winter storm, please report storm damage you observe:

• Downed trees/limbs blocking roads
• Damaged traffic signals or street lights
• Broken street signs
• Potholes from ice/plowing
• Damaged sidewalks or curbs
• Other infrastructure issues

Report via app with photos for fastest response, or call Public Works 555-HELP. IMPORTANT: Do NOT approach downed power lines—call 911 immediately. Private property damage (roofs, fences, vehicles) is not city responsibility—contact your insurance. Thank you for helping us assess community needs!

✅ Why this works: Clearly delineates what's city responsibility vs. private. App reporting with photos helps crews prioritize and respond efficiently. Emphasizes downed power line safety.

Provide Property Owner Resources

Residents dealing with property damage need guidance on next steps.

Best Practice: Compile and share resources for common storm damage issues.

Headline: Storm Recovery Resources for Property Owners
Tagline: Damage assessments, tree removal, insurance guidance available
Message: Need help recovering from the winter storm? Resources available:

• Roof damage assessments: Building Dept 555-BUILD
• Tree removal permits: [link in app]
• Debris pickup (65+ or disabled): Public Works 555-HELP
• Insurance questions: State Insurance Dept 555-INSURE
• Ice dam damage: Usually covered by homeowner policies
• Contractor verification: [state licensing website]

DOCUMENT DAMAGE: Take photos before making repairs (required by most insurance). Beware of storm-chasing contractors—verify licensing before hiring. Most legitimate contractors are backlogged 2-4 weeks after major storms. Questions: City Hall 555-CITY. We're here to help!

✅ Why this works: Provides practical next steps for common storm damage issues. Warns against contractor scams (common after disasters). Manages expectations about repair timelines. Emphasizes insurance documentation.

Thank Community and Public Works Staff

After significant weather events, acknowledging cooperation and effort builds community resilience.

Best Practice: Send a message thanking residents and highlighting extraordinary staff efforts.

Headline: Thank You for Making It Through the Winter Storm Together
Tagline: Community cooperation made all the difference
Message: Thank you to our entire community for your resilience during the winter storm! Special recognition:

• Residents who followed parking restrictions (95% compliance!)
• Neighbors who checked on elderly and vulnerable residents
• Everyone who avoided unnecessary travel
• Our Public Works crews who worked 72+ hour shifts treating ice
• Utility workers who restored power in dangerous conditions

Your patience, cooperation, and community spirit made recovery possible. We received far fewer calls than previous storms—proof that proactive communication works! We'll continue monitoring conditions and improving our storm response. Together, we weather any storm. Stay safe!

✅ Why this works: Builds community pride, acknowledges extraordinary staff effort, celebrates specific cooperation metrics (95% parking compliance), and validates the communication strategy. Reinforces positive behaviors for future storms.

How GOGov Citizen Notifications Transform Winter Storm Communication

Effective winter storm communication requires reaching residents quickly across multiple channels—before, during, and after severe weather. GOGov Citizen Notifications provides local governments with the tools to do exactly that.

Multi-Channel Delivery Ensures No One is Left Behind

Not all residents use social media. Not everyone checks email regularly. Some prefer text messages, while others rely on phone calls.

GOGov enables municipalities to send winter storm alerts across all channels simultaneously:

✅ Push Notifications via your branded mobile app
✅ SMS/Text Messages for residents without smartphones
✅ Voice Calls for elderly residents or critical alerts
✅ Email for detailed information and documentation
✅ Social Media Integration to amplify reach

With one message creation, you reach residents wherever they are—no duplicate work, no messages falling through the cracks.

Real-Time Updates During Rapidly Changing Conditions

Winter storms don't follow predictions perfectly. Ice accumulates faster than expected. Road conditions change. Closures extend. Power outages expand.

GOGov enables real-time updates that reach residents' phones within seconds:

• Ice accumulation alerts when conditions worsen unexpectedly
• Road closure notifications when accidents block major routes
• Power outage updates as restoration progresses
• Temperature warnings when extreme cold arrives
• Condition improvements when it's safe to resume activities

Real-time ice accumulation updates can prevent residents from attempting travel on roads covered in dangerous ice—potentially saving lives and reducing accident response burden on first responders already stretched thin.

Geographic Targeting for Relevant Information

Not every resident needs every alert. GOGov allows municipalities to target messages by:

• Neighborhood or district (ice treatment progress by area)
• Service route (trash collection delays by zone)
• Proximity to affected areas (localized power outages or road closures)

This ensures residents receive relevant information without alert fatigue from messages that don't apply to them.

Scheduled Messaging for Consistent Communication

Winter storm communication often requires planned, sequential updates—announcements before the storm, periodic condition updates during it, and recovery information after.

GOGov allows you to:

• Schedule messages in advance (parking ban notifications 24 hours ahead, facility closures)
• Set up recurring updates (condition reports every 6 hours during active storms)
• Queue post-storm messages (service restoration announcements, damage reporting procedures)
• Create message templates (adapt for each storm without starting from scratch)

Your communication team can prepare comprehensive storm messaging in advance, then release it at optimal times—even if key staff are unable to reach the office during dangerous ice conditions.

No Registration Required = Maximum Adoption

The biggest barrier to resident adoption of notification systems? Registration requirements and privacy concerns.

GOGov's mobile app removes this barrier entirely:

• Residents download the app from app stores
• No account creation required
• No email or personal data needed
• Instant notification access from download

This privacy-first approach is especially important for older residents who want storm information but don't want to navigate complicated registration processes or share personal information.

Why GOGov for Citizen Notifications

• Multi-channel delivery - Push, SMS, voice, email, and social media from one platform
• No registration required - Residents get alerts instantly without signing up
• Geographic targeting - Send messages by neighborhood, street, or plow route
• Reduces call volume - Proactive communication means fewer calls to City Hall
• Affordable pricing - Built for small and mid-sized municipalities

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Winter Storm Communication Checklist for Local Governments

Use this checklist to ensure comprehensive storm communication:

24-48 Hours Before Storm:

• Send winter storm watch/warning notification with specific threats (snow, ice, wind, cold)
• Share detailed preparation guidance and safety tips
• Announce snow parking restrictions with specific start time
• Communicate anticipated facility closures
• Coordinate with schools on closure decisions
• Alert residents to trash/recycling schedule changes
• Announce event postponements/cancellations with rescheduled dates
• Share warming center locations and hours

12-24 Hours Before Storm:

• Send parking ban reminder with tow warning and alternative locations
• Confirm facility closures with specific reopening plans
• Share plow/treatment route priority map
• Provide warming center reminder with transportation options
• Send final preparation reminder (stock up, charge devices, stay home)
• Communicate pipe protection guidance if extreme cold expected

During Storm (Every 4-6 Hours or as Conditions Change):

• Send periodic condition updates with specific measurements (ice depth, snow totals, temperatures)
• Alert residents to road closures immediately with detour routes
• Update on plow/ice treatment progress with realistic timelines
• Share power outage information and restoration estimates
• Remind about warming centers and assistance programs
• Update if conditions worsen or improve unexpectedly
• Provide generator safety reminders if widespread outages occur

After Storm:

• Send "conditions improving but hazards remain" message
• Announce parking ban lifted with specific time
• Communicate facility reopening schedule
• Provide trash collection return-to-normal timeline
• Share damage reporting instructions with app/phone options
• Offer property owner recovery resources (permits, insurance, contractors)
• Send community appreciation message acknowledging cooperation

Proactive Mass Communication for Local Government

Severe winter weather can impact any community—from the Gulf Coast experiencing dangerous ice accumulations to the Midwest battling heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and damaging winds. When these events occur, the difference between chaos and coordinated response is communication.

Local governments that communicate proactively—before, during, and after winter storms—protect residents, reduce strain on municipal services, and build community trust. Residents who receive clear, timely information make better decisions about travel, preparation, and safety.

GOGov Citizen Notifications and our branded mobile app platform empower municipalities of all sizes to deliver this level of communication. From small villages to major cities, GOGov helps local governments keep communities informed, safe, and connected—no matter what winter weather brings.

Is your municipality ready for the next winter storm?

Schedule a demo to see how GOGov can transform your winter weather communication—and give your residents the information they need, when they need it most.

Related Resources:

• Citizen Notifications Showcase: Winter Weather Examples
• Seven Reasons Municipalities Choose GOGov

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