Halifax – An overnight drop in temperature left many Nova Scotians waking up to a mess.
Thick ice completely covered vehicles, leaving frustrated motorists chipping away at the problem.
“It’s crazy. It’s like 15 different layers. You have to beat it off and then there’s another layer, you beat it off and there’s another layer,” says Kelly Pace, who had to abandon her vehicle the night before when the storm barrelled in.
Roads around Halifax were covered in snow and ice, making driving conditions dangerous. Snow plows were out all day trying to clear the roads, and city crews have been working non-stop to spread salt around the municipality.
“The conditions we’re seeing with snow on the ground is ultimately a function of cold temperatures and freezing rain,” says Darrin Natolino, HRM Transportation and Public Works.
Sidewalks were not clear in many residential areas, leaving pedestrians walking on the street. More than twenty centimeters of snow fell in the Halifax area, meaning shoveling was a difficult task.
“It’s a thick layer, on the top, a crust on the top that’s the main problem, so once you get past that it’s ok,” Andre Deschenes said, while trying to clear his driveway in time for work.
Some people gave up clearing their vehicles, and drove around with loose snow on their cars, which is against the law.
“We’re seeing it every single storm and we’re seeing it again today, especially with the ice, where people clear up a very small area of their windshield or window and think it’s ok.” says Cst.Pierre Bourdages, Halifax Regional Police.
Not only are you more prone to accidents by not clearing your vehicle, Police say it can net you a fine. “It’s also an offence that will cost you $176.45,” Cst Bourdages tells Global News.
Winter isn’t over yet. In fact, there is more snow in the forecast, leaving many of us to share the same thought; “I wish it was summer,” Deschenes says with laugh.
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