As Buffalo prepares for snow, a new parking tool can help residents keep up with alternating parking restrictions.

You can now get text alerts to let you know if and when alternate parking restrictions are in place. All you have to do is text "join parking updates" to "30890."

Parking-updates are typed out as one word. You'll then receive a text message or phone call 24 hours before the alternate parking restrictions need to be enforced for snow maintenance.

The mayor says this will give people enough time to move their vehicles in affected zones.

"While many people are at home we want them to be able to park on their street without having to move their vehicle if it's not absolutely necessary because of snowfall...they will get a text alert to let them know they need to move their car because we expect a snow event coming in," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

Winter parking regulations on bus routes will be in effect starting at 1:30 am.

Winter parking regulations on side streets with 9am - 4pm alternate parking designations also takes effect.