City Preparing For A Potential Snowmagedon
In what could be an abrupt end to mild Summer like weather Environment Canada is predicting the start of Winter this weekend in what could be a bang.
The forecaster is predicting - at the time of writing this article - rain on Saturday combined with minus temperatures followed by snow or blowing snow for both Sunday and civic election day Monday.
In advance of the first major snow storm of Winter the City of Moose Jaw is getting prepared to keep the streets free of ice and snow.
“Our Public Works & Utilities Department has been preparing our equipment and completing logistics for the potential of a major snow event on Sunday”, Jim Puffalt, City Manager said in a statement . “We will make every effort to meet Winter Maintenance Policy targets so that everyone can go about their business and residents can get to the polls on Election Day, November 9th.”
In event there is a major snowfall and the return of Snowmagedon this weekend the City would like to remind people what the enhanced snow clearing priorities are:
o Priority 1 roads to be cleared within 24 hours of a storm event.
o Priority 2 roads to be cleared within 48 hours of a storm event.
o Priority 3 roads to be cleared within 72 hours of a storm event.
o Priority 4 roads to be cleared within 96 hours of a storm event.
o Priority 5 roads will be maintained based on rutting and drainage.
o Priority 6 parking lots to be maintained based on conditions.
Thoughts of the beach could be a thing of the past as Winter is predicted to arrive this weekend - MJ Independent photo
The City would also like to remind residents that if Environment Canada’s predictions are true that they may not meet their snow clearing targets.
“We would note that if projections of a record snowfall are accurate, it may take longer than anticipated to move that amount of snow,” Puffalt continued. “We ask all residents to exercise caution while driving, especially around heavy equipment.”
Driving with caution is also something SGI is reminding drivers to do in front pf what could be a major Winter storm.
SGI is asking motorists to check the Highway Hotline at (1-888-335-7623) before they venture out on any highway. If travel isn’t recommended, motorists are asked to stay at home.
If you DO venture out during winter driving conditions, you should:
Clear snow from your vehicle, including headlights and taillights, and be sure your windows are completely defrosted before you drive.
Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. Adjust your speed accordingly when conditions are less than favourable, like when roads are icy or blowing snow means low visibility.
Leave more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, so you have more time to stop. SGI recommends at least a four-second following distance.
Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you’re not tempted to drive too fast for road conditions.
Turn on your headlights at night and any time visibility is poor, since some vehicles do not have taillights on when daytime running lights are being used.
Don’t use cruise control in slippery conditions.
Invest in a set of winter tires, which provide improved traction on winter road surfaces.
If snowplows are out, give them room to work and wait until they pull over to pass.
Buckle up, avoid distractions, and only drive sober.
More information on proper Winter driving is available in the SGI Driver’s Handbook: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook/-/knowledge_base/drivers/winter-driving