It’s a full week into spring in 2014 and residents of Calgary are still keeping their shovels at the ready for more snow.
The city isn’t expected to get a huge amount of snowfall, only about five centimetres, but there will be enough to create treacherous conditions on the road.
All this snow has made for some very long days for crews tasked with clearing the roads and preparing them for spring, whenever that will actually begin.
Carissa Vecio, with the City of Calgary Transportation Department, says they've needed to change the schedule of the spring cleanup process.
"We were planning to start spring clean up in mid to the end of April. Typically that's when we start it. I don't know for sure if it will start later but for sure, if today is any indication, we might."
Vecio says the city will keep residents posted on when the clean up will start.
Officials say that an estimated 12 to 20 cm will fall over the next day and a half, with five centimetres overnight.
Drivers are being reminded to drive to conditions and keep the following tips in mind:
- Clean snow and ice off your vehicle and ensure your lights and your windows are clear.
- Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
- Reduce your speed and turn on your headlights.
- Drive defensively.
- Leave extra distance between you and the car ahead of you.
- Fill up your windshield washer fluid.
- When road conditions are difficult, consider using Calgary Transit.
- Consider delaying your trip until the roads are in better condition
Outside of city limits, to the north and west, Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings, so the conditions are expected to be worse.
Reports say that areas covered in the warnings are expected to receive about 10 to 15 cm by Thursday morning.
