Sioux Falls city officials issue reminders on winter weather preparedness

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - With winter weather on its way, the City of Sioux Falls shared some tools, tips, and reminders to help residents prepare.

“Responding to winter weather — including severe snow and ice — is a One Team effort for the City of Sioux Falls,” said Dustin Hansen, the City’s Street Operations Manager.

“We spend months preparing so we can respond safely, quickly, and efficiently to these events and keep people moving throughout the community. The public plays an important role, too, by moving their vehicles and clearing their sidewalks.”

Monitor the weather:

This includes following the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls or local media for the latest updates, understanding and watching out for City snow alerts, and being prepared to move vehicles if needed.

Snow alerts are declared when the City plans to plow all streets, causing parking restrictions to go into effect citywide. Vehicles parked on City streets could be ticketed or towed.

You can text SNOWALERT to 888-777 to receive notifications directly to your phone.

During Winter Weather:

Pay attention to 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, as well as travel advisories issued by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, 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.

Understand Plowing Zones:

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 prioritized for clearing and are marked with white and red signage. The City may clear these routes without a snow alert.
• Zone 1 includes downtown Sioux Falls. During a snow alert, do not park on the street; use one of the five public parking ramps instead. Parking is free from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays.
• Zone 2 covers the area south of West Russell Street, west of Cliff Avenue, east of Western Avenue, and north of 33rd Street.
• Zone 3 includes all streets outside of Zones 1 and 2.

You can view the interactive zone map for details.

Residents can also use the city’s plow tracker to see updates on snow-clearing progress during a snow alert.

Reminders for Property Owners:

• Clear sidewalks promptly within 48 hours after snowfall. Property owners must also clear sidewalk curb ramps to ensure access.
• Maintain a 3-foot clearance around fire hydrants on your property to aid emergency response.
• Ensure a clear path to your mailbox, as mail carriers won’t deliver if access is unsafe.
• Dispose of snow properly by placing it in your yard, not on sidewalks, streets, or right-of-way, to avoid violations and street narrowing.
• Keep storm drains clear to prevent flooding during spring snowmelt.

The city also encourages residents to report icy roads, potholes, and other issues using the City of Sioux Falls mobile app or at www.siouxfalls.gov/report.

For additional information on the City’s preparation and response to winter weather, visit www.siouxfalls.gov/snow.

Dakota News Now reporter Fiona Sullivan will have a full story on winter weather preparedness at 5:30 pm on Dakota News Now.