Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 (Halifax, NS) – Residents are currently feeling the effects of a severe winter storm, which arrived in the Halifax region during the overnight hours and is expected to linger into the early morning hours on Tuesday.
Current reports are that upwards of 30 cm of snow has accumulated in some areas of the municipality, and forecasts still anticipate that snowfall amounts could nearly double before the storm subsides.
Extremely high winds have accompanied this weather system, which has created white-out conditions with near zero visibility in most areas due to blowing, drifting snow. There are also reports of storm surges along the Atlantic Coast; residents are advised to avoid coastal areas including the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts until the storm passes.
Winter Operations crews are fully engaged, with the first priority on keeping main streets and emergency routes passable. As a result, service to residential areas will be limited at this time.
We ask for residents’ patience as we work hard to improve conditions given that this is an exceptional weather event. With snowfall accumulation in the 50 cm range, the targeted service timelines for snow clearing, particularly on residential streets and sidewalks, may not be achieved. Crews will be working around the clock to clear streets and sidewalks in all communities and provide access as quickly as possible, but it will likely take several days for this work to be completed.
The overnight winter parking ban will continue to be enforced from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14. Vehicles must be off-street during these hours or they will be subject to ticketing and towing. Residents are also reminded that vehicles impeding snow clearing operations can be ticketed and towed at any time under S. 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act. It is critical that vehicles are removed from streets and sidewalk areas during the parking ban to allow crews to properly clear snow and maintain safe vehicular and pedestrian travel ways.
The combination of heavy snowfall with gusty winds is creating challenging conditions for Winter Operations crews and other motorists. Residents are encouraged to stay home where possible, so crews can do their work safely and efficiently.
Municipal Program & Service Impacts
Residents are advised that curbside collection of garbage, recycling and green carts has been cancelled for Tuesday, Feb. 14, in anticipation of challenging road conditions tomorrow. Those residents who would normally have had garbage, recycling or green cart collection on Tuesday, Feb. 14 will instead be allowed double bag limits on the next regular collection cycle on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Solid waste management facilities, including Otter Lake Waste Processing & Disposal Facilities, the Recycling Facility and composting facilities will be open for regular operating hours on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Please be advised there may be minor delays in opening times to accommodate required snow clearing on site.
As we expect clean-up operations for this weather event to take several days, a further update on the status of municipal facilities, programs and services for Tuesday, Feb. 14, will be issued today by 5 p.m.
The 311 call centre is open today for regular operating hours; please note that residents should refrain from contacting 311 for snow clearing requests at this time. Winter Operations crews are working as quickly as possible; however, the primary focus at this time is to clear main streets and emergency routes. For emergencies, please call 911.
For the most up-to-date information on snow clearing operations and weather-related impacts on any municipal program or service, follow @hfxgov on Twitter or visit www.halifax.ca/snow/update.php. Residents without internet access can obtain this information by contacting 311.
The municipality thanks residents in advance for their patience and cooperation as we manage this weather event.
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Source: Media Release