❄️ Bundle up, neighbor! Iowa winters are easier when we all know the rules of the road (and the sidewalk). Each town does things a little differently, so here’s a friendly rundown with links to the official pages. Rules can change, so always check your city’s page before a storm.
Snow rules by town
Cedar Rapids
When a big storm is coming, the City may declare a snow emergency and will share it on its website, social media, phone texts and local media.
During a snow emergency, no parking on posted Emergency Snow Routes. On residential streets, use the odd/even rule: park on the odd-address side on odd calendar days and the even-address side on even days.
Sidewalks and curb ramps next to your property are yours to clear, within 24 hours of the official end of the snow event (the City posts that time on its snow page). Please don’t push snow into the street.
Marion
Winter Storm Parking takes effect automatically when the National Weather Service predicts at least 3 inches of snow or an ice storm (or either happens). Then on-street parking is not allowed on any city street, through the storm and for 48 hours after the snow stops.
Property owners clear sidewalks after the snow ends. Please don’t push snow from driveways or sidewalks into the street.
Hiawatha
Don’t park in the street when the National Weather Service predicts 3 or more inches of snow within 24 hours, or when 3+ inches have fallen and your street isn’t cleared yet. The Snow Ordinance stays in effect until the snow stops and streets are fully cleared.
Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. Remember fire hydrants, too!
Snow ordinance notices are posted at hiawatha-iowa.com and shared with local TV stations. Questions: Hiawatha Police, (319) 393-1212.
Robins
Robins has its own snow-removal ordinance (Chapter 71), which was recently revised. Please check the City’s ordinance page for the current parking and sidewalk rules.
Robins ordinances → · City Hall: 319-393-0588
Rural Linn County roads
The County Secondary Road Department plows about 1,200 miles of county roads. Hard-surface roads come first; rock roads are plowed to connect to them. There’s no “dry pavement” policy.
All county roads are snow routes. After more than an inch of snow, or any freezing rain, parking in the right-of-way isn’t allowed until 48 hours after roads are plowed and fully open.
Push driveway snow off the shoulder and into the ditch, not onto the road.
Where’s the plow?
🚜 Linn County Track-a-Plow
See where county snowplows and motor graders are on secondary roads. The map updates about every five minutes during a snow event. You can also sign up for snow-removal alerts on the County’s winter page.
🏙️ City updates
Cedar Rapids announces snow emergencies on its website and social media and by text; the Mobile CR app carries city alerts too. Marion and Hiawatha post parking notices on their city websites and with local media.
Staying warm
🔥 Warming centers
Linn County Emergency Management lists warming centers all over the county: libraries, city halls, community rooms, Lindale Mall and more. They’re open during their normal hours, so it’s a good idea to call ahead.
Overnight winter shelter info: Linn County Winter Weather Shelter
💡 Help with heating bills (LIHEAP)
HACAP takes Low-Income Home Energy Assistance applications for Linn County. This program year, households with someone 60+ or disabled could apply starting October 1, 2026; everyone else from November 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027.
Bring Social Security cards for everyone in the household, your latest heating and electric bills, and proof of income. Got a disconnect notice? Call your HACAP office right away.
Urban Office, 1328 2nd Ave. SE: (319) 366-7632 · Inn Circle, 5560 6th St. SW: (319) 366-7631
Need a hand finding something else? Dial 211 any time, or see our Helpful Resources. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.