SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Winter weather hit Siouxland once again. From closings to snow emergencies, winter weather leaves an impact on Siouxland communities.
See how the weather affected the area below:
————————————–
All snow emergencies issued earlier this week have expired.
————————————–
Sioux City trash pickup to continue as usual with minor delay
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The City of Sioux City has said that residents should be putting their garbage out for collection as normal.
Gill Hauling will be doing their normal curbside pickup, just with a minor delay.
————————————–
Town of Lesterville, SD declares snow emergency
LESTERVILLE, S.D. (Feb. 22) — Town of Lesterville has declared a Snow Emergency.
All vehicles need to be removed by 6 pm Thursday, February 23, 2023. Vehicles not removed will be tagged and towed.
Emergency snow routes will be cleared starting at 6 pm. Thursday February 23.
————————————–
Siouxland counties issue no travel, towing advisories
Iowa (Feb. 22) — No tow recommendations are being issued in parts of Siouxland.
According to the Iowa 511 website, towing is not recommended in Dickinson, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, and Sioux counties. Travel is also not recommended for the majority of these counties as the roads are considered to be completely covered in snow.
Additionally, plows in Sioux County have pulled off the road due to safety concerns as winter conditions continue. Plows will return to the roads Thursday morning.
————————————–
Iowa DNR cancels public meeting in Okoboji due to weather
DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 22) — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is canceling public meetings planned Wednesday night in Ventura, Algona and Okoboji due to inclement weather. The meetings will not be rescheduled.
The meeting scheduled tonight in Onawa will go on as planned.
The Iowa DNR will have the presentation available on its website www.iowadnr.gov beginning next week for review and comment.
“The presentation recaps the recently completed hunting and trapping seasons and discusses potential regulation changes and we include the wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov email for you to send your comments, concerns or opinions regarding the proposals or on any other topic that falls under the Iowa DNR’s wildlife umbrella,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau.
Meeting date, time and location
- Onawa, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Lewis and Clark State Park visitor center, 21914 Park Loop
- Chariton, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Chariton Community Center Rooms A & B, 502 North Main Street
- Council Bluffs, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Council Bluffs Fish and Game Club, 531 Comanche St.
- Decorah, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Franklin W. Olin Building, Room 102, Luther College, 700 College Drive, next to the Prues Library
- Dubuque, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., EB Lyons Nature Center at Mines of Spain, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road
- Iowa City, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Johnson County ISU Extension Office, 3109 Old Hwy. 218 South
- Wapello, Feb. 23, 6 p.m., Langwood Education Center, 14019 H Ave.
Any person attending the public meeting that has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.
————————————–
City of North Sioux City declares a snow emergency
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (Feb. 22) — The city of North Sioux City had declared a snow emergency.
It is set to start Wednesday at 6 p.m. and will end Friday at noon.
Parking is now allowd on city streets during a snow emergency.
————————————–
City of South Sioux City declares snow emergency
SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb (Feb. 22) — The City of South Sioux City Public Works Department has declared a snow emergency starting Wednesday at 5 p.m. and ending Thursday at 5 p.m.
During a snow emergency, parking is prohibited on designated Snow Emergency Routes, which are marked with signage. These routes are usually secondary streets used for heavier traffic. Vehicles on these routes may be towed if parked, stalled, or stuck.
There is also a requirement to adhere to the alternate parking requirement. This means that parking is only allowed on the even sides of the streets on even calendar days and the odd side on odd calendar days.
Residents are also reminded that it is not allowed to blow, push, shovel snow from sidewalks or driveways out into the city streets.
Any updates on the city’s snow emergency can be found on the city’s Facebook page.
————————————–
As cold temperatures are expected, officials are warning Siouxlanders to take certain precautions. Below is a collection of stories of officials’ recommendations.
– Why it’s important to pay attention to wind chill
– How Siouxlanders can keep their pets safe and warm during extreme low temperatures
– How cold weather causes problems for cars
————————————–
AAA provides roadside assistance assistance safety tips
BURNSVILLE, Minn. (Feb. 21) — AAA has offered numerous tips for anyone who may be on the road during the winter storm.
The Auto Club Group expects to receive a high number of road service calls for extrications, dead batteries and flat tires.
“We’re urging motorists to follow the advice of local authorities and stay home if you can,” said Meredith Mitts, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If you must get on the road, be sure to have at least a half tank of gas, significantly reduce your speed and stay off closed roads.”
Since high call volumes are also possible during this time, motorists can also request road assistance by using the free AAA Mobile app or AAA.com.
AAA’s Tips for Stranded Motorists on the Roadside
- Stay in the vehicle. Your car can provide shelter, allowing emergency responders to best locate you, and prevent you from being struck by an approaching vehicle. If you must get out of the car, ensure the surroundings are safe.
- To make the gas last longer, don’t leave the car running. If there is an extended traffic jam, turn off the engine for a period, then back on to reheat the inside, when it has gotten too cold again. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free.
- Avoid driving on the shoulders or medians of highways to get around the traffic jam. These need to be kept clear for first responders, tow trucks, and emergency vehicles to get to the cause of the stoppage.
- Cold weather can shorten the range of electric vehicles. EV drivers should plan for more frequent stops for charging and identify the location of charging stations before you hit the road. AAA recommends “pre-heating” the inside of your electric vehicle to a comfortable temperature while still connected to the charger. This will reduce the vehicle’s battery demand to regulate cabin temperature at the onset of driving.
AAA Safety Tips While on the Road
- If you must be on the road, check the weather before setting out and change plans accordingly.
- Pack a well-stocked emergency kit with a cell phone car charger, first-aid kit; extra blankets, hats, gloves and coats; plenty of drinking water and non-perishable snacks for passengers, including pets; flashlight and extra batteries; reflective warning triangles; and an ice scraper or snow brush.
- Always drive at a safe speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions – even if that means driving below the posted speed limit.
- Compensate for reduced traction by increasing your following distances (normally three to four seconds) to eight to ten seconds.
- Never crowd a plow. Allow sufficient room for maintenance vehicles and plows, stay at least 200 feet back and, if you need to pass, go to the other vehicle’s left. Be sure to watch for vehicles hidden by the snow cloud and the blades that extend out from the plow’s front and sides.
- Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even if the rest of the road seems to be in good condition.
- Avoid braking on ice. If you’re approaching a patch of ice, brake during your approach. Control the skid. Applying pressure to your brakes while on ice will throw your car into a skid
- If you get stuck in snow or ice, straighten the wheel and accelerate slowly. Add sand or cat litter under the drive wheels to help avoid spinning the tires.
- If your tires lose traction, continue to look and steer in the direction you want to go. If the drive wheels start to spin or slide while going up a hill, ease off the accelerator slightly and then gently resume speed.
- Slow Down, Move Over. Avoid driving on shoulders or medians so first responders, tow truck operators and emergency vehicles can get to stranded motorists who are in dangerous roadside conditions.
For more tips like these, click here.
Preparing your Vehicle for the Winter Road
If driving cannot be avoided,motorists can help keep their vehicles on the road safe by checking the following:
- Remove ALL snow and ice from car –This includes the hood, roof and trunk, not just a small portion of the front windshield.
- Battery strength — Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor. At 0 degrees, a good battery has 35 percent less starting power. Additionally, batteries that are 3-5 years old will have much less starting power in cold conditions.
- Tire inflation — Under-inflated tires can be dangerous, and may suffer damage. Tire air pressure decreases 1-2 psi for every 10 degree temperature drop.
- Wiper blades — The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In areas with snow, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup.
- Washer fluid — Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.
————————————–
UPDATE: Norfolk snow emergency canceled
NORFOLK, Neb. — UPDATE (Feb. 23): The snow emergency in Norfolk has been canceled effective immediately.
As a reminder: per Section 22-1 of the City Code, it is the responsibility of the owner and/or occupant of real estate to remove snow and/or ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after the cessation of precipitation. Thank you for your cooperation.
—
PREVIOUS (Feb. 21) The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Madison County from 12 p.m. Wednesday until 12 p.m. Thursday. Forecasted snowfall is expected to reach 4-6 inches.
For public safety and more efficient snow removal, the City of Norfolk has declared a Snow Emergency effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 22 until further notice.
No parking is allowed at all on cul-de-sacs and emergency snow routes. On residential streets, parking is allowed only on the even house numbered side of the street; however, it is strongly encouraged that citizens park off of the street if possible. This allows for more efficient snow removal by city crews.
In a snow emergency, citations will be issued to those who have their vehicles parked on the odd side of the street and on cul-de-sacs.
Citizens parked along the emergency snow routes which include: Alaska Avenue from Riverside to Hwy 81; Bluff Avenue from Pasewalk to Chestnut; North Boxelder Street; Chestnut Street from Omaha to Bluff; Elm Avenue from 1st to 4th; Georgia Avenue from Riverside to 13th; Klug Avenue from 1st to Boxelder; Maple Avenue from Victory to east city limits; Pasewalk from 1st to Bluff; Prospect Avenue from 4th to 27th; Queen City Blvd from Prospect to Benjamin; Taylor Avenue from 25th to Pasewalk; 7th Street from Omaha to Prospect; 9th Street from Michigan to Omaha; 18th Street from Benjamin to Phillip; 20th Street from Pasewalk to Vicki Lane; 24th Street from Norfolk to Taylor; and 27th Street from Norfolk to Prospect – are subject to towing.
————————————–
Nebraska authorities urge caution ahead of winter weather
LINCOLN, Neb. (Feb. 21) — Nebraska governor, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), and Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) are asking drivers to be cautious as a winter snowstorm is expected to blow through the state.
The panhandle and central parts of the state are expected to be the most impacted by the potential significant snow, high winds, and bitterly cold conditions starting Tuesday afternoon.
Gov. Jim Pillen was joined by the NDOT and the NSP in asking residents to check weather and road conditions before getting on the road as the weather may make travel difficult or impossible pending the weather. Drivers should check 511, Nebraska.gov, or the Nebraska 511 app to get the latest information on roadway conditions
NDOT Plow crews will work to keep roadways clear, and NSP will work to assist any motorists during the winter storm. Driver are asked to keep warm clothing, food, water, phone chargers, and other essentials in their vehicle in case they become stranded. Anyone who becomes stranded or needs help can call *55 or 1-800-525-5555 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.
In addition to warning drivers of winter weather, the storm is hitting during calving season. Pillen is asking livestock producers to prepare for the winter weather.
“It’s impossible to stop mother nature,” said Governor Pillen. “But to the extent possible, producers are advised to prepare as much as possible to protect their herds. Snow and extreme cold can be a dangerous combination, especially to newborn calves.”
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides a wealth of information on its website for livestock producers at beef.unl.edu.
————————————–
UPDATE: City of Storm Lake to continue snow emergency in Central Business District
STORM LAKE, Iowa — UPDATE (Feb. 23): The City of Storm Lake will continue their snow emergency in the Central Business District only until February 24 at 6 a.m.
The snow emergency in the residential areas has been lifted.
During the snow emergency, there will be parking restrictions that are as follows.
- Parking is not allowed on streets in the Central Business District between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- Parking is not allowed in downtown public parking lots designated as Lot B and Lot D.
- Overnight parking in downtown public parking lots designated as Lot A and Lot C is allowed during a snow emergency.
Any vehicles found to be in violation of Storm Lake’s snow policy may be ticketed or towed.
—
PREVIOUS (Feb. 21) In Storm Lake, the city declared a snow emergency starting Wednesday at 10 p.m. and expiring Friday at 6 a.m. The city cites the winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service as reason for the snow emergency.
During a Storm Lake snow emergency, there are parking restrictions in place. They are as follows.
- Parking is not allowed on streets in residential areas of Storm Lake between the hours of 10 p.m and 6 p.m.
- Parking is not allowed on streets in the Central Business District between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- Parking is not allowed in downtown public parking lots designated as Lot B and Lot D
Any vehicles found to be in violation of Storm Lake’s snow policy may be ticketed or towed.
Overnight parking in downtown public parking lots designated as Lot A and Lot C is allowed during a snow emergency.
The city’s website has more information about its snow emergency policy.
————————————–
If you know of any other snow emergencies in Siouxland, let us know by emailing news@kcautv.com.
You can also view our list of closings here.
