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Dealing with the aftermath of the storm: How is snow removal going?

After 12.5 inches of snow accumulation in Omaha, residents are dealing with the aftermath by constantly shoveling, scraping and snow-blowing? When will those streets get clear again?
Posted at 6:20 PM, Jan 26, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-26 19:43:33-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - "Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere," is the tune Omaha residents are singing as they clear piles of snow that make it hard to access and reach their driveways.

Residents call the snow removal "tedious" and "hard to clean up."

Despite all the work that comes with snow removal, Omaha City Engineer Todd Pfitzer says it could be worse.

"It was not a real wet snow, it's not really sticking to the ground, terribly, and we don't have super high winds today, so it's not blowing it around. We got some sunshine," Pfitzer said.

Accumulation was the biggest hurdle snowplow drivers faced.

"In this storm, we've been on our primary routes now for over 24 hours because the snow just kept coming. As long as it keeps coming, you got to keep plowing those primary routes and keep those open," Pfitzer said.

He estimates crews will be working on clearing the roads until the end of the week.

"For those of you that went out and did your driveway three or four times, you know how much effort it took. It's taking that much effort for us on the streets as well," Pfitzer said.

Omaha Public Works wants to emphasize to residents to avoid putting snow from their driveways or sidewalks into the streets. It causes safety concerns and can create slick spots.