For the first time, Chicago residents are getting a chance to use the city's new plow tracker website, and it appears the site is getting a workout.
The recently-launched site -- at ChicagoShovels.org -- allows residents to track some 300 pieces of snow-fighting equipment through city neighborhoods.
The site has a spot to join a "snow corps" program that connects volunteers with seniors and residents with disabilities in need of snow removal. Chicago-based apps are provided, as well, that alert drivers about winter parking bans and reconnect owners with their towed vehicles.
A check of the tracker on Thursday afternoon, however, required patience. The map took several seconds to load. Once it appeared, a hover of the mouse over a piece of equipment will give information on what type of equipment it is and when its location was last updated.
The location of the snow plows automatically refreshes on the map periodically.
Video: Snow Command shows technology that assists in decision making
