It is an annual ritual of most Canadians – the anticipation of our first blast of snowy, winter weather. And it appears Mother Nature isn’t wasting any time for Cranbrook and the rest of the East Kootenay.

Environment Canada is forecasting a winter system to hit all areas of the region by Wednesday (Nov. 1) with cold temperatures and possibly 15 to 20 cm of snow by the end of the week.

“Our snow removal crews and equipment are ready to go,” said Derrick Anderson, Director of Public Works with the City of Cranbrook. “We have great staff and a solid fleet of truck and plows, with operations ready to run around the clock during any major snow event. During these events, we follow our priority routes, so it can take us three or four days to be able to reach everyone. We ask our residents and business owners to be patient and understanding. We will be doing our very best.”

It’s also important for residents and business owners to help out by keeping streets and sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Not leaving your vehicle parked on the street during snowfalls wherever possible will also help make clearing the streets easier for city plows, along with not pushing windrows back into the street.

Keeping snow and ice removed from your nearby sidewalks and driveways is also important from an emergency services perspective. It will allow much easier access to your property by the fire department, RCMP or paramedics should an accident or other emergency happen at home.

For information about how the city prioritizes its street clearing operations, including route maps visit our website at www.cranbrook.ca and click on ‘Snow Removal Information’ listed under City of Cranbrook Links on the homepage.

Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting is warning motorists of the upcoming winter weather, with rain and snow beginning later this evening and tomorrow, with subsequent poorer driving conditions, such as ice forming from freezing rain.

“Motorists should be advised to expect these conditions and also to watch for flash icing on bridge decks, shaded areas and near water even if there hasn’t been any precipitation,” Mainroad stated in a public update.

“We are also experiencing morning fog in some areas, which can lead to icy conditions, particularly at daybreak or just after.”

Mainroad crews and equipment will be out patrolling the service areas. However, please be aware that these conditions can develop and dissipate rapidly.
Before heading out, please visit DriveBC.  Leave extra time, be prepared for winter driving conditions and please watch your speed.

Lead image: A file photo of a City of Cranbrook snowplow in action.

e-KNOW

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