MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis officials are launching a new tool to let drivers know when the city is under a snow emergency.

The city will use digital billboards to tell drivers whenever a snow emergency is in effect this season. The billboards will display messages encouraging drivers to sign up for free snow emergency alerts.

Mayor R.T. Rybak and officials from Clear Channel Outdoor are announcing the plans to use the billboards on Wednesday.

The hope is that the billboards will help drivers avoid getting towed.

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