Sioux Falls Kicks Off Winter Season With Reminders and Tips

Winter is not too far in our future and Sioux Falls city officials want people to be prepared for its arrival.

So they have numerous tips to keep us on top of the winter weather that may be coming soon.

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Before Winter Weather Arrives:

Stay informed about the weather.
Understand what a "Snow Alert" is. Snow alerts are not issued every time it snows. A snow alert will be issued if the City plans to plow all streets. When a snow alert is declared, parking restrictions go into effect across the city, and vehicles parked on City streets are subject to ticketing and towing.
If you regularly park on City streets, have a plan to move your vehicle in the event that a snow alert is issued.
Sign up for the City’s snow alert text messages. Text ‘SNOWALERT’ to 888-777.

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During Winter Weather:

In addition to monitoring the weather and local media, follow www.siouxfalls.gov and the City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Police Department, and Sioux Falls Fire Rescue on social media for important updates to City services.
Follow travel advisories issued by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and Sioux Falls Police Department.
Plan travel in advance and factor in extra time to reach your destination. Slow down and leave extra room between vehicles.
Know your zone. The City plows streets based on three zones, plus emergency routes, and the timing of a snow alert impacts the City’s plowing schedule. Knowing your zone will help determine when to expect plows on your street so you can move your vehicle(s).
Emergency routes are cleared first. These are main roadways throughout the city that carry a significant amount of traffic. These are clearly marked with white and red signage. Sometimes the City will clear emergency routes without issuing a snow alert.
Zone 1 encompasses downtown Sioux Falls. If you are downtown, do not park on the street during a snow alert. Park in one of the five public parking ramps instead. You can park for free from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the week and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and City holidays.
Zone 2 generally covers the core of Sioux Falls south of West Russell Street, west of Cliff Avenue, east of Western Avenue, and north of 33rd Street.
Zone 3 covers streets outside Zones 1 and 2.
View the interactive zone map here: City of Sioux Falls Snow Alert Tracker (arcgis.com)
Use the City’s plow tracker. See near-live updates on snow clearing progress during a snow alert: City of Sioux Falls Snow Alert Tracker 2.0 (arcgis.com)
Crews will also be picking up snow from arterial streets. These pickup operations can cause localized traffic delays. Drivers should slow down and use caution when passing crews.

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Winter Weather Cleanup for Property Owners:

Snow and ice should be cleared from sidewalks—edge-to-edge and to the concrete—within 48 hours after snow stops falling. Sidewalk curb ramps on corner lots and other curb cutouts should also be cleared, as property owners are responsible for providing access from the street onto the sidewalk.
Keep fire hydrants on your property clear of snow, ice, and other obstructions for 3 feet in all directions. Doing so can save valuable time in an emergency.
Clear a path to your mailbox. Mail carriers are not required to deliver your mail if they cannot reach your mailbox.
When clearing snow, either shoveling or using a snow blower, put excess snow in your yard, not on the sidewalk, right-of-way, or street. Depositing snow in the street is against City ordinance, plus more snow in the street means it will end up at the bottom of your driveway. Throughout the winter season, placing too much snow in the right-of-way will narrow City streets.
Clear storm drains on your property throughout the winter. Staying on top of it now will alleviate possible flooding during springtime melting.

Throughout the Winter Weather Season:

The City wants to hear from you. Report icy roadways, potholes, and other issues via the City of Sioux Falls mobile app or at www.siouxfalls.gov/report.

Source: City of Sioux Falls

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