Cedar Rapids Crews Prepare for Snow Storm

By Mark Geary, Reporter

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By Mark Geary

Story Created: Dec 27, 2007 at 8:50 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 28, 2007 at 11:35 AM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS -- These wind-rows in downtown Cedar Rapids aren't going anywhere tonight. Crews are getting all the sleep they can so they're ready to start plowing again when the snow starts to fall.

The city has plenty of salt and sand ready to go as soon as the storm hits.

But, it will probably take awhile longer to clear away all the snow.

"With the snow -- the way it's been piled up, the plows can't drive as fast. They have to drive slower to get the snow to pile up. If they drive too fast, it will shoot right over the pile that's already there and land right on the sidewalks. We don't want that to happen," City Engineer Dave Elgin said.

Cars parked on snow-covered streets also can create problems and delays.

"If we have cars parked on both sides of our residential streets, we can't even get a plow through. So, what we'd like to do is make sure the public understands that will slow the process down," Elgin said.

While snow removal is slowing down, sales of shovels and salt are still soaring.

"It's been really busy. It really has. We've sold more salt than you can imagine," Ed Schmuecker, an employee at Ace Hardware, said.

Many local hardware stores have had trouble keeping snow and ice removal materials in stock. Everyone who comes in this ace hardware store says the same thing – “We don't want to see any more snow, let alone ice."

Meteorologists say Cedar Rapids *will* see between three to five inches.

When the plows come through, these wind-rows could get even bigger. So, city crews want everyone to drive more carefully in areas where the snow has narrowed the street.

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