City Overviews Resources, Information for Snow Season

Published on November 12, 2025

Snow Alerts Plow Icon

Winter weather is on its way, and the City of Sioux Falls is sharing tools, tips, and reminders to help residents prepare for and respond to the season ahead.

“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.”

Ahead of Winter Weather:

  • Monitor the weather. Follow the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls or local media for the latest updates.
  • Understand what a City snow alert means. Snow alerts are not issued every time it snows. A snow alert is declared when the City plans to plow all streets. Once issued, parking restrictions go into effect citywide, and vehicles parked on City streets may be ticketed or towed.
  • Have a plan to move your vehicle. If you regularly park on City streets, make sure you’re prepared to move your vehicle when a snow alert is issued.
  • Sign up for snow alert text messages. Text SNOWALERT to 888-777 to receive notifications directly to your phone.

During Winter Weather:

  • In addition to monitoring the weather and local media, follow 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
  • 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
  • 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.

Winter Weather Cleanup for Property Owners:

  • Clear sidewalks promptly. Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks — edge to edge and down to the concrete — within 48 hours after snowfall ends. Property owners are also responsible for clearing sidewalk curb ramps on corner lots and other curb cutouts to ensure access from the street to the sidewalk.
  • Keep fire hydrants clear. Maintain a 3-foot clearance around fire hydrants on your property, free of snow, ice, and other obstructions. This can save valuable time in an emergency.
  • Clear a path to your mailbox. Mail carriers are not required to deliver mail if they cannot safely reach your mailbox.
  • Dispose of snow properly. When shoveling or using a snow blower, place excess snow in your yard — not on sidewalks, streets, or the right-of-way. Depositing snow in the street violates City ordinance and can result in more snow being pushed into your driveway. Over the winter, excess snow in the right-of-way can also narrow City streets.
  • Keep storm drains clear. Clearing storm drains throughout the winter helps prevent flooding during spring snowmelt.

Throughout the Winter Weather Season:

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

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