City of Regina Enters Storm Mode When Environment Canada Announces Snow Storm Warning | The Canadian News

On Tuesday afternoon around 3 pm, the city of Regina said it will enter “storm mode” when Environment Canada announced that residents of southern Saskatchewan should expect strong winds with gusts of more than 90 km / h and 110 km / h. h in other areas of the province. .

Environment Canada warns that blizzard conditions with poor visibility are expected due to blowing snow.

A winter storm moving across the prairies is bringing strong winds and snow across the province, with some areas being hit harder than others.

“The city and its contracted support are ready with approximately 50 pieces of equipment to keep residents safe and traffic moving during this storm,” said Tyler Bien, manager of roads and seasonal operations for the City of Regina.

Bien adds that city crews are prioritizing snow removal on major highways, high-speed areas, along with emergency routes and will enforce ice control at major intersections.

Additional personnel have been hired to help with this plowing method until the end of the storm.

“Our ice control team has been out all day actually, the shifts started at 6 am, they have been applying a bit of ice control, sanding and also preparing for entry,” explained Bien.

He also says that it is essential that travelers take more time on the roads and drive to the best of their ability.

Bien goes on to say that public transportation is available to anyone not comfortable getting behind the wheel during the snowstorm, although on Tuesday night there were reports that buses were stuck due to commuter congestion on the roads. . Significant delays are occurring on the roads in and around Regina.

Regina officials say they are responding to weather-related traffic problems throughout the city. Traffic lights are off at various intersections.

Once the snow event stops and there is two inches or more of snow, the city said crews will begin a systematic plow beginning with Category 1 and progressing through Category 2, 3 and 4 areas.

According to Environment Canada, extreme conditions are expected to subside from the west later Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Travel is expected to be dangerous due to reduced visibility. Also, visibility could suddenly drop to almost zero at times with lots of snow and snow.

Environment Canada issues blizzard advisories when widespread reduced visibility of 400 meters or less is expected for at least four hours.