Drivers Caught Off Guard With 2nd Snow Emergency

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis impound lot is buzzing with frustrated drivers. Many say they didn't hear about the second snow emergency.

"The second snow emergency took everyone by surprise," said driver, Steve Kramer.

Kramer and his wife thought they were following the snow emergency rules, but say they didn't hear about the second snow emergency declared Monday afternoon.

"We both took our eyes off the ball," said Kramer.

Kramer, along with other drivers paid $138 for the tow and $42 for the parking ticket. Kramer said he considered the payment a charitable donation to the city.

But drivers like Nancy Miller said, "I thought it sucked!"

Miller showed up to the impound lot driven by her son Mike Miller.

"I thought they (city officials) did the best they could," said Mike Miller. "But I don't think they should charge anyone for the hassle."

Gennell Lu picked up her car early Tuesday morning. She thought to herself Monday night that the city should declare a second snow emergency.

"I never thought in a million years they actually ever would do that," said Lu.

The second snow emergency is still in effect until Wednesday.

On Tuesday, drivers should not park on the even sides of non-snow emergency routes until 8 p.m. or until the road is fully plowed.

On Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. drivers should not park on odd sides of non-snow emergency routes or until the road is fully plowed.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Edgar Linares Reports