LEWISTON – In preparation for the latest snowstorm, police were taking no chances. Starting Friday night, a parking ban was in effect in Lewiston and it was extended until noon on Sunday.

In Auburn, the ban is even tougher.

Police in that city are forbidding parking on public streets between Friday night and Monday morning.

Officials say the parking bans are necessary even after the storm winds down.

Crews expect to be out all weekend plowing, sanding and trying to widen snow-clogged streets.

Police in both cities Friday were advising that vehicle owners who fail to comply with the ban will likely have their car or truck towed and have to pay to get it back.