Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning and the City of Grande Prairie says it is ready for it. Transportation Services Manager Robert Carroll says right now they are monitoring the system that is moving towards Grande Prairie. He says the minimal snow the city saw in December allowed crews to clear away the snow from November.
“Our crews are out constantly. We do patrols and our sanders will be out checking for hot spots. Crews are picking up snow, but very shortly our focus will shift from picking up snow to plowing snow.”
According to Environment Canada 63 centimetres of snow fell in November, compared to only 3.5 centimeters in December. 15 to 20 centimetres is expected to fall across the north central part of the province Monday and more snow is in the forecast for much of this week. Carroll says they have all the staff needed.
“We have all of our materials in place. It’s just making sure that our equipment is ready to go. If we do get what they expect as far as snowfall accumulations then we’re ready to go.”
Carroll says they will decide late Tuesday or early Wednesday if residential plowing will be needed.
The province has also come out with a warning ahead of the system that is expected to move through. They recommend checking 511 Alberta before travelling on provincial highways around the province or postponing any non-essential travel.