Help called in from surrounding cities to deal with Calgary's record-breaking snowfall
It’s going to take more than a few shovels to dig Calgary out of this one.
With nearly 40 cm of snow falling on Calgary since Monday night, the Albertan city is practically buried in a record-breaking amount of the white stuff.
It may have only been the second day of the month, but Tuesday, October 2 took the record for the snowiest October day that Calgary has ever seen (since records began in 1881, that is).
Tuesday was also the coldest October 2 on record with a high of just -1.6°C, according to weather record Twitter account, @YYC_Weather, and the wettest October day in 61 years. It was also the seventh snowiest day ever in Calgary.
Today is the snowiest October day on record in #Calgary: 30cm. #YycWx pic.twitter.com/IRPuRc5QF0
— YYC Weather Records (@YYC_Weather) October 3, 2018
The snow was so bad, and Calgary is so buried, that city officials have called upon their neighbours to lend a helping hand.
According to a release from the City of Calgary, up to 74 operators and 40 pieces of equipment will be brought in from Edmonton, Red Deer, Okotoks, and Medicine Hat to join the Calgary snow plows that are already hard at work.
Hey @nenshi, help is on the way! 30 @CityofEdmonton ❄️ plows rolling out today to help with that #yycsnow pic.twitter.com/HCN0jC1itl
— Don Iveson (@doniveson) October 2, 2018
Calgarians have been asked to make their job of clearing the roads a little easier by abiding by a snow route parking ban that has come into effect as of 10 am Wednesday, and plows are currently working to clear the city’s priority one routes.
These routes are roadways that see over 20,000 vehicles per day (though, to be honest, it’ll probably see a few fewer cars over the coming days) and includes Glenmore Trail, Sarcee Trail, and MacLeod Trail.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution on the slippery roads, and if that warning isn’t enough to slow you down, perhaps the fact that more than 160 cars crashed just yesterday in Calgary will keep that pedal off the metal — at least until a chinook comes along.
Of course, the best option of them all is to simply stay home and wait it out until the roads are at least somewhat driveable, but we know that simply isn’t an option for everyone.
Depending on how well equipped you are for winter sports, may we suggest that skiing to work is always a possibility.
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Here’s the current status from the City of Calgary regarding snow removal work throughout the city as of 6 am this morning:
- Crews continue plowing, salting and sanding priority one (P1) routes, such as Crowchild Trail, Memorial Drive and Macleod Trail. (Please note: Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail are maintained by the Province which has its own snow clearing plan.)
- At 10 am, we expect crews will move onto P2 routes – those roads with 5,000 to 20,000 vehicles per day that are often bus routes.
- “Crews are using all available equipment to clear the through lanes and apply materials to improve traction.
- A snow route parking ban starts at 10 am. This ban will last up to 72 hours, or until the city declared the ban lifted.
- City crews will also be continuing to clear snow from public sidewalks, pathways and cycling infrastructure.
- Home and business owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their homes and businesses. If you know someone who needs assistance with shovelling, residences are encouraged to be “snow angels” and help them out.
Stay safe out there, Calgary!
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