Sanding of Lincoln streets began about midnight and plowing started about 4 a.m. School and business closings helped city crews try to clear streets, but city officials said people are driving too fast on the snow-packed streets.

So far, the mayor has not declared a snow emergency, which would mean parking would be banned on emergency snow routes, arterial streets and bus routes.

Snow emergencies are pretty rare these days because city officials don’t like to inconvenience people with a parking ban, especially in historic neighborhoods where there are fewer parking options.

If a snow emergency is declared, it will probably happen by 4:30 p.m., city officials said.

But as always, residents are encouraged to park off the streets, if possible.

Ag tractors were called into service to help clear streets (normally they just clear cul-de-sacs).

How’s that snow removal budget faring?The city has about $900,000 left of the $2.8 million budgeted for snow removal this winter.

In addition, the city has not yet touched its $1.5 million cushion of n snow removal dollars carried over from last year.

But this storm will start plowing through the budget at a pace of at least $125,000 a day.

“This is going to be costly because the downtown area is going to have to be hauled out,” Teten said.

CrashesAs of about 11 a.m., there were about two dozen car accidents, which Police Chief  Tom Casady said was “not particularly out of line.”

He encouraged people to settle in at home and get out the baked beans and hot dogs rather than brave the streets and contribute to the accident toll.

He saw for himself what happens when vehicles approach a grade and discover the ice that lay beneath the snow: He saw a snowplow and about a dozen cars stymied by the ice and incline at High and Van Dorn streets.

The police are putting to use their 10 SUVs, out of a fleet of 180, and have put chains on the wheels of most of their cruisers.

For those without SUVs or chains — and even for those who do have them — the chief says to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. And think about what lay ahead (such as an incline).

And one more piece of advice from an experienced North Dakota driver: Accelerate and decelerate slowly, so as not to spin.

StarTran running behind

As of about 11 a.m., the buses were running 30 to 45 minutes late. Which was better than conditions at about 7 a.m., when several of the rear-wheel-drive StarTran buses were stuck.

Ag tractors, normally used only in residential areas, have been called in to clear bus routes. Blowing snow is expected to continue to be a problem.

By afternoon, the buses should be closer to being on time. The downtown State Tournament shuttles are operating, as well. To find out the status of a bus route, call 476-1234.

Snowflakes and SUVs

Mayor Coleen Seng dressed appropriately Thursday. She wore a black fleece jacket dotted with white snowflakes.

Public works director Karl Fredrickson had no problem driving to work on a county road, although he was tailgated most of the way by eager beavers in four-wheel-drive.

He has  four-wheel-drive too, but thinks other SUV owners should realize they’re not invincible: “If you have a four-wheel-drive, it still has four brakes on it, just like any other vehicle.”