Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) - The city's "Snow Boss" says his team's efforts are moving along. Sioux Falls Street Department Fleet Operations Manager Gaylynn Huber says Tuesday night's snow "just didn't let up" for awhile. The storm dumped between 6 and 8 inches of heavy, wet snow locally, breaking a single day record in Sioux Falls. That means 24/7 operations in 12 hour shifts. Over 120 pieces of equipment run by both City and contractor crews are on the "front lines", hitting snow emergency routes first. He says the entire cleanup should take around 30 hours.
Huber adds the snowgates on plows, used to minimize the "hump piles" at the end of residential street driveways will most likely be a little larger. He explained the gates work better when there are snowfall amounts less than 6 inches.
Sidewalks? They're yours to deal with as a homeowner. The city wants them cleared no later than 48 hours after the storm. If you don't do hat, the city may come clear them off....and you'll risk getting a spendy bill!
Fire Rescue is urging "safe shoveling", involving stretching out before you tackle a drift, not eating a big meal or smoking before you start shoveling, and using your legs to help lift instead of your back. They're also asking you be a good neighbor by clearing out fire hydrants.
The storm had it's biggest impact south and west of Sioux Falls, as Spencer, Nebraska recorded an epic 20 inches, Yankton area with between 13 and 15 inches. Occassional light snow and flurries could continue through Friday.The good news from the National Weather Service is that no major storms are on the horizon.
The SNOW ALERT continues, click here for more information: http://siouxfalls.org/snowalert