In snowy Chicago, don't even think about parking in marked spot

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CNN's Hena Cuevas braves the snow to show possible parking pitfalls Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Under city tradition, anyone who clears a parking place owns it

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- When it snows in Chicago, car owners grab their shovels. Then, they dig out their lawn chairs.

Longtime tradition has it that anyone who removes snow from a curbside parking spot is entitled to mark the cleared space with furniture or some other large item, signaling others that the territory is taken -- keep off.

The informal no parking procedure is accepted by most Chicagoans, including the mayor. Violators beware.

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National Weather Service
  • Interactive Weather Information Network

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