SIDNEY, Neb. — As the extreme cold temperatures begin to release its grip in the southern Nebraska Panhandle this week, City of Sidney officials are reminding residents of the structured snow removal plan in place to keep streets safe and accessible when winter storms hit.

Sidney City Manager David Scott addressed the prioritization of clearing certain areas, emphasizing all city departments contribute to snow removal efforts.

"Every city department pitches in on snow removal - all of them, all hands on deck," Scott said. "The street department concentrates on streets, as they have the snow blower and blades for guiding the street snow where it needs to go. Other departments with loaders and other equipment without the snow guiding ability do trails and parking lots. That's why the golf course and other city parking lots were done at the same time as streets."

The City of Sidney follows a structured snow removal plan, which is broken down into four key stages: Emergency Snow Routes, Secondary Streets, Residential Streets and Property Owners.

Stage 1 focuses on clearing primary emergency snow routes, including 17th Avenue, Cedar Street, Illinois Street (Highway 30), Old Post Road, and Fort Sidney Road, among others. These major roads are given priority to ensure emergency vehicles and essential traffic can move safely.

Stage 2 involves clearing secondary streets, such as those near Sidney Public Schools, business districts and other collector roads not included in the emergency snow route system.

Stage 3 addresses residential streets and follows specific criteria based on the type and amount of snowfall, wind conditions, existing accumulation and upcoming weather forecasts. Snow is generally plowed toward the curb or parking lanes, and driving lanes are prioritized.

Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Moving snow onto public streets is prohibited, as it creates additional hazards for drivers.

Sidney isn't the only community reminding residents of snow removal expectations. The City of Chappell issued a reminder to downtown businesses and residents regarding City Ordinance 94.020, which requires sidewalks to be cleared within six hours after a storm ends or before 8 a.m. the following morning if snowfall occurs overnight. Residential sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall stops.