(Staff file photo by DEAN SHALHOUP) Scenes like this will play out in Greater Nashua and across much of the Northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday, as millions of residents clean up after the powerful nor'easter. (Staff file photo by DEAN SHALHOUP)

NASHUA – Travel of all kinds is expected to all but cease this evening as area residents hunker down in preparation for the arrival of what could be a long-duration, powerful and dangerous nor’easter.

In Nashua, officials announced a snow emergency will take effect at 10 tonight, and last through at least 1 p.m. Tuesday.

While non-essential travel during the storm isn’t banned outright, city emergency management officials strongly urge residents to stay off the roads for the duration of the storm.

Some of the highlights of the storm-related statement officials sent out via phone and email and posted at www.nashuanh.gov follow.

Representatives of city departments “have been reviewing their emergency plans, testing generators, and readying snow removal equipment.

“As the storm approaches, the city will provide residents with additional information as necessary, which will be posted at www.nashuanh.gov.

Public Works Department

“It is very challenging to keep streets clear with heavy snow conditions. This storm is likely to contain heavy bands of blowing snow which will impact travel in the area. If you don’t need to be out on the roads, please stay off them for your safety and to make room for equipment working to keep roads open.

“Residents should only expect primary routes to be cleared initially during this storm. Residential side streets will not be plowed immediately. Regularly plowed sidewalks will not be plowed until crews have a chance to clear primary and residential streets.”

During the snow emergency

* In effect from 10 tonight through 1 p.m. Tuesday

* No on-street or municipal surface lot parking is allowed

* Free parking will be available in the Elm Street and High Street garages as soon as the snow emergency is announced. Residents do not need to wait until 10 p.m. to move vehicles into the parking garage. No snow emergency parking is allowed in the garages’ leased spaces between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

* Due to the timing of this snow emergency, parking will be free in the parking garages until 6 p.m. Tuesday

* The overnight parking program is suspended

Non-compliant vehicles

* City officials will order the towing of vehicles remaining on the street and in the municipal surface lots. Owners of towed vehicles may retrieve their cars at the Solid Waste Department (city landfill, 820 W. Hollis St.), and must pay a fine of $315 in cash, or by money order or credit card only.

More information on towing and vehicle pick-up available at www.nashuanh.gov.

Trash and Recycling

Tuesday’s scheduled trash and recycling collections are cancelled. Tuesday’s routes will be collected on Wednesday; Wednesday’s routes on Thursday; Thursday’s routes on Friday; Friday routes on Saturday.

Check social media and www.nashuanh.gov frequently or call 589-3410 for any changes or updates to the schedule.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.