Friday, March 13, 2015 (Halifax, NS) – Crews are continuing with ice and snow removal today across the Halifax region, as well as pre-treating the streets, repairing equipment and monitoring forecasts in preparation for this weekend’s snowy weather.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement advising Nova Scotians that another winter storm is expected to affect the Maritimes this weekend. A low pressure system will track south of Nova Scotia on Sunday then slowly make its way eastward. Snow, strong northeast winds and blowing snow are expected to begin over mainland Nova Scotia Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
The long range forecast is still uncertain but current indications suggest that snowfall could exceed 15 centimetres in some areas. Residents are advised to monitor weather forecasts and warnings.
Crews are out right now and will continue tomorrow pre-treating main arterial routes with brine and salt. This helps minimize the bond that forms between the surface of the road and snow or ice, similar to using cooking spray to prevent food from sticking to the pan.
Mechanics with the municipality’s Corporate Fleet are busy with repairs to plows and other snow-clearing equipment in order to have them ready for work on the streets and sidewalks this weekend.
Crews have been working steadily over the past two weeks with graders and loaders to tackle the thick ice pack on a number of side streets where it has become increasingly difficult to navigate because of deep ruts and potholes in the ice. Crews have also been clearing catch basins, pushing back and cutting down snowbanks, and cutting out intersections, cul-de-sacs and bus stops, as well as repeatedly salting and scraping the sidewalks to reduce the ice pack.
All of this work will help to alleviate the impact of more snow this weekend; however, depending on snowfall amounts, conditions will likely be slippery and snow-covered on Sunday and Monday. Residents are advised to travel carefully if they need to be on the roads and sidewalks.
The storm is not expected to affect many municipal services. However, residents should phone ahead on Sunday morning to see if recreation programs or facilities are cancelled or closed due to the weather.
Halifax Transit staff will be assessing the weather over the weekend and updates on individual bus routes will be available by following @hfxtransit on Twitter, which is also streamed online at http://www.halifax.ca/transit. If there are impacts on all Halifax Transit service, the public will be alerted through Public Service Announcements, on Twitter via @hfxtransit and @hfxgov, and on Halifax Transit’s website.
A decision will be made Saturday morning and again Sunday as to whether the overnight parking ban will be enforced, although it’s expected it will be required both evenings. For more information on municipal snow operations, residents can go to www.halifax.ca/snow.
Source: Release