With city streets snowbound following several days of snowstorms, Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson declared a state of emergency last Monday, Dec. 22, in order to clear a path for drivers.

The proclamation allowed the city to contract with private companies to help remove the snow, as the city currently does not have enough snow removal equipment to keep up with the deep deluge.

Snoqualmie’s public works department worked around the clock in an attempt to make city streets safe for drivers by Christmas Eve. The city focused on main arterials at first, followed by side streets.

Residents with vehicles parked on side streets are asked to remove their cars if possible following storms, so that plows can remove snow.