The National Weather Service is reporting possible wind chills between 4 and -1 degrees in some areas of Champaign-Urbana on Monday, and the Champaign Public Works Department is preparing to keep the city safe and clean.

After the series of snow storms that occurred over the weekend, snow plow trucks took the streets at 8 a.m. Sunday morning and worked continuously until 8 p.m., clearing all primary areas of snow and sprinkling salt to prevent ice from forming. All sidewalks and roads were expected to be cleaned by noon on Sunday and should remain so, said Stacy Rachel, administrative services supervisor with the Champaign Public Works Department.

“During a snow or ice event, public works has 14 pieces of equipment it utilizes along with a full staff of plowers to clean the road as quickly as possible,” Rachel said. “We have been keeping lists of the areas that need to be readdressed since yesterday and the dispatch center is constantly taking calls from staff who are out on the streets.”

Though Public Works does not drive around continuously searching for areas needing to be cleaned, Rachel said, the crew does have a “methodical way” or tracking areas that have yet to be properly cleaned.

“Snow and ice plans guide our activities and ensure the city is cleaned up to standard,” Rachel said.

With wind chill temperatures potentially dropping below zero tonight, Rachel said residents can actively take part in helping to keep the city safe and clean.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while we work,” Rachel said. “The most important thing residents can do is keep their vehicles off the streets to allow plows to get through so they don’t have to re-plow, which is much less effective.”

Rachel said residents are encouraged to call in and report any slick spots or areas needing to be cleaned if they present safety issues.