In a recent interview with Latvian Radio, Jānis Lange, the director of Riga City, announced that the so-called 'snowstorm tickets' will not be issued for Friday. This decision was reached after consultations with various services, including meteorologists, who indicated that the expected snowfall will not be significant enough to warrant their necessity. Snowstorm tickets are typically used to facilitate snow removal efforts in challenging weather conditions, aiding local services in managing snow drifts and accumulations more effectively.

Lange highlighted that the cost of implementing snowstorm tickets can reach up to 200,000 euros for the local government for a single snowstorm day. He advised that while a small amount of snow is to be expected, the accumulation should remain manageable, and it’s normal to have a few centimeters of snow on the ground. He emphasized that there are no expectations for the sidewalks to be completely clear during snowfall events, as the main goal is to maintain functionality within the city and ensure safe mobility for residents.

As winter progresses, the municipality has allocated funds for road and sidewalk maintenance, with a focus on providing practical conditions rather than striving for completely bare surfaces. Lange reassured residents that while some snow accumulation is expected, they can count on the municipality to ensure that the city remains operational despite winter weather challenges.