City of Calgary reminds residents to bundle up against the cold

More snow is expected for Calgary throughout Wednesday, but city officials say the plunge in temperatures is a much bigger problem for residents.

In an update about how crews are managing the latest snowfall, the city said that trucks are out clearing lanes on major routes and pulling down material to help with traction.

"Watch for trouble spots, such as hills, bridge decks and intersections.

"Calgarians are reminded to adjust to winter conditions and be prepared before they head out on their journey."

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While there is no extreme cold warning in place for the city so far, city officials are also reminding everyone to bundle up against the cold weather taking hold in Calgary.

"Wear loose-fitting layers, which trap heat and allow you to adjust clothing for different conditions. Ensure you are wearing appropriate footwear that provides warmth, traction, and support."

In addition, taking proper precautions and planning ahead can also help greatly, city officials said.

"Motorists are reminded to monitor changing weather conditions – snow covered roads, ice and visibility can be a factor in your commute. Prepare yourself before you head out, leave plenty of time to get to where you need to go and adapt to the changing weather," the city said in its statement.

"Walking and wheeling users are encouraged to plan ahead. Know your route and expect there could be unexpected delays. With snowfall forecasted, this can create other challenges during your commute – so ensure you are properly dressed before starting your journey."

Transit users are also encouraged to consult Calgary Transit's winter travel guide for tips on how to make their trip a lot easier in the cold.

Police say between midnight and 4 p.m. Wednesday, there were a total of 182 motor vehicle collisions.

That includes 14 injury collisions, two injury hit-and-runs, 141 non-injury collisions and 25 non-injury hit-and-runs, police say.

SCHOOLS ADJUST TO SEVERE WEATHER

As temperatures continue to plunge in Calgary, school boards in and around the city say there are policies in place to make sure students stay safe.

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) says it works to keep parents and students up to date about current conditions on its website.

However, school closures due to weather, it says, are rare, but bus services may be cancelled or often delayed in inclement conditions.

"During the winter, roads may be congested and slippery resulting in possible traffic and bus delays. Unusually cold or stormy weather can also result in buses being delayed. Unexpected mechanical problems with the bus may occur more frequently at this time of year," the CBE wrote.

The board says it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children are dressed appropriately for the weather and know what to do if they need help.

"Children should be warmly dressed and well prepared for winter weather, and not left unattended at bus stops for any period of time, under any circumstances. They should have clear instructions on how long to wait for the bus and what to do if the bus does not arrive. Families should ensure that they have back-up care arrangements if transportation is delayed."

The Calgary Catholic School Division (CCSD) says all of its 118 schools will remain open this week and reminds families to dress warmly and take precautions in the frigid conditions.

It says there is a "normal protocol" of keeping students inside during recess and lunch breaks when conditions hit -20 C or colder. The CCSD says that policy likely will be in effect throughout the cold snap.

Outside the city, Rocky View Schools (RVS) says when "winter weather conditions are too severe," staff are instructed to take measures including cancelling bus services or closing schools.

"We consider several factors when closing schools due to weather," RVS wrote.

"These include current and forecasted temperature and wind chill, road conditions, the amount of snow and ice, school building constructions and school location. This decision is made early in the morning before school starts or buses are running."

However, if parents are concerned about their child's welfare during extremely cold weather, they can keep them home if desired.

"We inform parents, staff and media through email. Parents can also keep an eye on Rocky View Transportation's Late Bus App, the RVS website home page or RVS' Facebook and Twitter accounts for information about closures.

"If you have not heard from us and you do not see a school closure announcement, schools are open!"

OTHER CANADIAN CITIES HIT HARD

While Calgary hasn't had the worst of the weather system yet, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued alerts for many other Canadian cities for extreme cold and snowfall.

As of Wednesday morning, three weather alerts were in place for Nova Scotia – a special weather statement for winds and waves on the coast, a rainfall warning for an expected 40 millimetres of rainfall and a wind warning for 100 km/h gusts in some areas.

Some of those warnings are also in place for New Brunswick and P.E.I.

Snowfall is expected to accumulate heavily in Quebec, which could see as much as 40 centimetres by the time it's over.

Weather warnings have been lifted for the majority of Ontario residents, but some living in the northern regions could still be in trouble, ECCC said.

Extreme cold warnings have extended into Saskatchewan on Wednesday and parts of Manitoba are also included in those.

ECCC says there is an arctic outflow warning on the West Coast, which means wind chills of -20 to -30 in some spots and as much as -50 in others.

(With files from CTVNews.ca)