City officials in a number of Quad-Cities communities have announced preparations for the winter storm forecast for the Quad-Cities Thursday night and Friday morning.

-- In Moline, the city's snow route plan went into effect at 4 p.m. Thursday. Vehicles must be moved from streets marked with "Snow Route" signs to allow for more efficient snow removal. Vehicles parked on snow routes will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Main streets, roads around emergency centers and schools will be plowed first, followed by residential and side streets. Snow routes will be in effect until all routes have been cleared.

City officials also are reminding residents that snow must be removed from sidewalks bordering their property within 12 hours of a snowfall.

The LOOP bus, which travels on both sides of the river, will not operate Thursday night but is scheduled to resume its route Friday. Western Illinois University in Moline also canceled Thursday night classes, but plans to open at its usual time Friday.

-- In Rock Island, snow routes will take effect once 2 inches of snow has fallen and will remain in effect until the snow has been cleared. Vehicles parked on streets posted with "Snow Route" signs will be subject to a $35 ticket. Vehicles in violation at 8 a.m. Friday will be ticketed and impounded.

Snow removal efforts will focus on primary streets and hills, with secondary priority given to school areas. Residential streets will be cleared when those areas are completed.

-- In East Moline, a snow emergency was declared Thursday afternoon. City officials are asking that all vehicles be moved from city streets; those not moved will be subject to being towed. 

The snow emergency will continue until 24 hours after snow has stopped falling.

-- In Davenport,  a snow emergency has been declared through 5 p.m. Friday.

Parking will be prohibited on streets posted with "Snow Route" signs. Vehicles parked on those streets will be subject to tickets and towing.

People who must park on city streets are advised to park on the odd side of the street Thursday night and the even side of the street on Friday. The Harrison Street, Redstone and River Center parking ramps also will be available for free parking during the snow emergency.

No change is expected in Friday's Solid Waste Collection, but CitiBus routes may be delayed during the early morning hours. More information on the city's parking rules, and its volunteer snow-shoveling program, are available online at cityofdavenportiowa.com.