SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There is no doubt this has been an odd winter when it comes to snowfall. In Sioux Falls, city plow drivers got their first taste of a snow event.

The snow came down heavily at times on Monday. That, combined with the snow the city got Friday night into Saturday adds up to around 5 inches of snow for drivers and city crews to deal with.

The plows hit the streets last night and kept going Tuesday morning as most of us were waking up and heading to work. This is the first snow alert the city has issued this winter season. Street Operations Manager Dustin Hanson says they have a lot of rookie operators.

“I think there are a few of them who have actually never plowed. They’ve gotten training, they’ve run motor graders, they’ve run snow plows but actually, plowing snow is totally different than running on pavement,” said Hansen.

McCook Lake bill advances with $1 to allow discussion

Michael Putzier has been an Equipment Operator for 5 years, he says he has been looking forward to getting out in the snow, despite one minor challenge. Notice the yellow ticket.

“There’s a lot of parked cars on the roads right now, we are having to go around a lot of them. It would be nice if people could get them off the road, but we understand it’s not always possible, said Putzier.

Hansen is glad some of the new drivers are getting experience plowing with a lesser amount of snow.

“This was a very good practice, 3 or 4 inches of snow, light and fluffy, it’s plowing really good, we are about halfway done with the city plowing it so things are going really well,” said Hansen.

Hansen says they should have all the residential streets plowed by tomorrow. Thursday morning, they begin removing snow from downtown before wrapping up.