Sioux Falls Urges Winter Prep Before Old Man Winter Shows Up

Is it just me, or can you feel Old Man Winter pacing by the door, ready to kick it down and make himself at home in the Sioux Empire?

Let’s be real, after a few blessedly mild winters, it’s starting to feel like our luck might be running on thin ice. The weather pros are warning that this year, we could be in for a generous helping of snow, ice, and wind chills that’ll make your eyelashes freeze before you get your car door closed.

According to Dakota News Now, the City of Sioux Falls is thinking the same thing, which is why they’re rolling out a few tools, tips, and reminders to help everyone brace for another go around with a classic South Dakota winter.

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Dustin Hansen, the city’s Street Operations Manager, told Dakota News Now, “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.”

Translation: the city’s ready, but they’d appreciate it if you didn’t park your car in the middle of a snowplow’s path or let your sidewalk turn into an ice rink.

One of the best things you can do? Keep an eye on the weather.

Stay connected to your favorite Results-Townsquare Media radio station for updates, or check the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls for official alerts.

When Snow Alerts are issued, make sure your car is where it’s supposed to be, unless you enjoy surprise tickets or the thrill of searching the city impound lot.

Once the snow starts flying, keep tabs on travel advisories from the South Dakota Department of Transportation, Minnehaha and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. It’s also a good idea to get familiar with the city’s Emergency Snow Routes and Plowing Zones ahead of time. You can even use the interactive map to see where the plows are doing their thing in real time.

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After the storm passes, don’t forget your post-snow chores. You’ve got 48 hours to clear your sidewalks (and yes, that includes the curb ramps). Keep a 3-foot zone cleared around fire hydrants and make sure your mailbox isn’t buried, so your mail carrier doesn’t need a shovel of their own.

And if you spot icy patches, potholes, or other winter road woes, you can report them through the City of Sioux Falls mobile app or online at siouxfalls.gov/report.

The bottom line: stay informed, plan ahead...

Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. And whatever you do, don’t try to out-drive the weather.

Old Man Winter has a nasty habit of always winning that race.