Temperatures are expected to drop dramatically during the evening hours. Snow and wind could make for a tough commute to work Thursday morning.
It's going to be a busy few days for the Sioux Falls Street Department. Manager Galynn Huber says keeping the roads free of ice overnight will be tricky.
"The big fear for me is when you've got rain and snow in the forecast. Some time in there, there's a time frame when that has to switch over," Huber said.
City crews are spending much of the day loading trucks and parking them indoors, out of the elements, so they can be ready when the temperature changes and the snow flies.
"If that time frame lingers a little bit, all of a sudden that rain becomes freezing rain. Then if you get ice on top of snow, it is just incredibly hard for us to try to work with to make the roads driveable safe," Huber said.
Luckily for Huber, the department has a citywide network of traffic cameras. That way he can tell which areas need the most attention and get a team there quick.
"They're a game breaker for us. Basically, we can see it. We understand it. We can make the call right away. So it makes it a lot better for us to decide where and when we put the chemical down," Huber said.
Even with more than 40 trucks dropping chemicals and pushing snow all night long, drivers still need to use caution.
"If it's snowing, just plan on a longer time for your commute," Huber said.
Huber says the chemical works well below zero degrees. Unfortunately with high winds, the chemical catches any snow that gets blown across the street. That's something his team will be keeping an eye on through the night.
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