Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) - Snow removal efforts are underway and will continue throughout the day as Sioux Falls sees its first major snowfall.
City of Sioux Falls snow removal crews worked to prepare streets as much as possible for the morning commute. The City continues to work to clear emergency snow routes. However, because the ground is still warm, the first layer of snow became slippery as it melted and refroze in the cold temperatures.
“This snow began right before the morning commute, which creates the biggest challenge,” says Mark Cotter, Director of Public Works. “When this happens, the plows share the roads with commuters, and if one car, bus, or truck spins out, it has a ripple effect on everyone, including snow plow teams.”
City teams are able to clear all the emergency routes every two hours and will continue clearing these streets until the snow moves out of the area. The City plans to declare a snow alert later today. During snow alerts, plows enter neighborhoods after the snow has stopped falling and emergency routes are clear. Snow alert communications will include the plowing schedule based on zone.
“Please do your part today by taking extra time and allowing extra space between cars while out driving,” says Cotter. “The streets should be in much better shape by the evening commute.”
Watch www.siouxfalls.org or follow @CitySiouxFalls on Twitter to be the first to know when a snow alert is declared.