A forecast from the U.S. Weather Bureau prompted the DeKalb emergency snow route system to go into effect late Wednesday afternoon.

The DeKalb Office of Public Works based the restrictions on a forecast from the U.S. Weather Bureau, which projected a total of three to eight inches of snow to fall on the area before Thursday morning.

Parking on DeKalb snow routes is prohibited until snow plows have cleared the streets. A public works office secretary said the restrictions would be in effect until the streets were cleared “from curb to curb.”

The restrictions went into effect Wednesday at 6 p.m., with the exception of the downtown business district, which went into effect after midnight.

The office placed the restrictions, which will be in effect for the duration of the storm or until they are cancelled. A formal notification will be made when the restrictions are lifted, the secretary said.

The downtown business district snow routes are bordered on the north by Locust Street, on the east by Seventh Street, on the south by Grove Street and on the west by First Street.

Vehicle owners who usually park along the snow routes are asked to seek alternative parking off of the streets. However, there are some side street parking spaces available.

The office warned violators will be ticketed and their vehicles towed.

DeKalb County Police reported hazardous and slippery road conditions. The report said large amounts of drifting snow caused problems on some area roads.