By TERRY PUGH
An Alberta Clipper brought an unwelcome mid-winter gift over a two-day period on February 17 and 18, burying the Saskatoon region under an estimated 25 centimeters of snow.
Residents of Warman and Martensville began digging out shortly after the storm began on February 17 and were kept busy clearing driveways right through the following day as the snow continued to fall.
Public works crews in both cities were also working long hours in an effort to keep major roadways open. Both cities have snow-clearing protocols that prioritize major arteries, followed by collector streets and eventually residential streets.
The City of Martensville posted on its website February 18 that “snow clearing crews are out and will be working extended hours to keep roadways as safe and a passable as possible.
“Crews are currently focused on opening up access along streets, so you may notice windrows left behind for now. These will be removed as operations continue. Priority routes, including arterial and collector roads, remain the main focus to support safe and reliable travel across the community.”
The City of Warman’s public works equipment operators were also working through the night and into the morning clearing priority streets.
Both cities encourage residents and businesses to refrain from shovelling or pushing snow from driveways onto the streets, as this creates additional hazards for drivers and is illegal under municipal bylaws.
High winds accompanying the storm made travel hazardous, with the Highway Hotline reporting many roads experiencing blowing snow, restricted visibility and icy conditions. Even by the afternoon of February 18, most highways east of Saskatoon were still listed as ‘travel not recommended.
The Saskatchewan RCMP issued a statement prior to the storm advising drivers to check the Highway Hotline before venturing out onto the road.
The police service also suggested motorists to:
* scrape their windshield and brush all the snow off their vehicle before driving;
* keep their gas tank more than half full;
* fully charge cell phones before beginning the journey;
* advise someone of their destination and expected time of arrival;
* turn on both headlights and taillights, and ensure they are cleaned off;
* travel at a speed that allows you to keep control of your vehicle, even it that’s below the speed limit;
* slow down to 60 km/hr when passing emergency vehicles, including tow trucks, EMS, fire and police, giving them room to do their work safely;
* stay on main roads;
* have an emergency kit inside the vehicle that contains warm clothes and water in the event you become stranded – and remember to stay with your vehicle if you are stranded.
SaskEnergy also offered tips for homeowners in the wake of the storm, advising them to ensure that all vents are clear of snow, frost and ice that could block airflow and lead to a malfunction or a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.
Residents are also asked to keep their gas meters clear of snow so SaskEnergy technicians can access them for servicing or in case of emergency.
“Snow or ice on the meter can cause damage and lead to a service disruption,” stated SaskEnergy in a news release. “Remove any snow and ice by hand or with a soft-bristle broom. Avoid kicking or hitting the meter to break the ice and do not use a de-icer or hot water to clear the meter.”