The City of Sault Ste. Marie has declared a significant weather event in light of the hazardous winter conditions expected on Wednesday morning. Residents are advised to prepare for challenging travel conditions, with snowfall accumulations potentially reaching up to 20 centimeters. Accompanying the snow, winds are forecasted to gust as high as 60 km/h, which may lead to reduced visibility due to blowing snow.
In a public statement, city officials clarified that the declaration does not mean a reduction in service levels or any immediate road closures. Instead, it serves as a warning for drivers to exercise caution while traveling on city-maintained roads. It may take longer than usual to restore road conditions to optimal levels due to the severe weather.
Motorists are encouraged to drive according to current conditions and to remain vigilant for heavy equipment operators who will be on-site clearing and sanding roads. To aid these efforts, the city’s winter parking by-law is currently in effect, which prohibits on-street parking between midnight and 6 a.m. This regulation aims to facilitate snow removal operations and ease the burden on city resources.
Public transit users should also anticipate potential delays as the weather impacts service. Additionally, a yellow level snow squall warning continues to be in effect for Sault Ste. Marie, further emphasizing the need for caution during this winter storm.
As the community navigates through these winter challenges, there’s a collective hope for safety and preparedness among residents, underscoring the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions during adverse weather conditions.