Snow Plows Waiting For Storm To Pass

Public works crews around the region are waiting to rollout the graders until the blizzard passes.

Winkler's Director of Works and Operations Peter Froese explains plowing at this time could make roads worse.

"Within hours you have twice as much snow on the road because you've built the windrow up," Froese says. "So we sit tight until the storm subsides."

However, public works are still preparing. Froese explains they expect to roll out some snow clearing equipment tonight, with a priority on impassable streets within the city.

Clint Derksen, Altona's Public Works Manager explains with a number of essential services in the sector they've started in the North East corner of the community.

"We need to make sure that emergency equipment can roll," he says. "Other than that we will wait till the snow starts to subside a little bit."

Director of Public Works in Morden Les Wieler explains his crews are also taking a "wait and see" approach for now.

"Typically we don't go out unless we absolutely have to," he says, adding they remain on standby to clear the way for emergency vehicles.

Meanwhile plows in the R.M. of Stanley will not be sent out to rural areas today according to a release issued by the municipality Tuesday morning. They will be sent out once conditions improve, and visibility clears up. Snow piles on the road or road edge can harden and cause serious damage to snow plow equipment, and can also pose a safety hazard for snow clearing crews and other vehicle drivers.

Crews for the Municipality of Rhineland are also waiting for snow and wind gusts to let up before clearing. R.M of Rhineland Public Works Director Craig Smiley says in an emergency situation residents are to call the municipality office.