Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for Edmonton at 10:30 a.m. Friday. Ten to 15 cm of snow is expected to accumulate in the region.
The City of Edmonton said there are more than 150 plows, sanders and graders ready to handle the snowfall; no exact number of how many were on the roads was provided Friday morning.
Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday, Edmonton police responded to nine hit and run collisions, six injury collisions and 142 property damage collisions.
READ MORE: Wintry weather expected throughout the weekend for much of Alberta
Maya Filipovic, spokesperson for the city’s Parks and Roads Services, said that number will fluctuate during the snowfall and the city will make adjustments as needed.
READ MORE: 5 things to remember when driving in winter conditions
“For snowfalls with accumulation of less than 10 cm, the city uses internal equipment to handle the snow as part of regular maintenance plowing. When more snow is expected, the city calls out hired equipment to help manage the snowfall,” said Eduardo Sosa, director of Roadway Maintenance.
Priority clearing is given to arterial roads, collector and bus routes due to volume. City policy states roads and sidewalks should be cleared within 48 hours after the end of a snowfall.
READ MORE: Snowfall causing dangerous road conditions south of Edmonton
The city is directing residents to the Major Roads Plowing Map, which is activated when more than 10 cm of snow has accumulated. The map shows the progress of snow plows on major roadways in the city and, once activated, is updated prior to both and evening commutes along with overnight.
Neighbourhood blading schedules can also be viewed online and will begin when residential roads have accumulated five cm or more.
RCMP are urging drivers to slow down and stay vigilant while on the roads.
“Speed is the big thing,” said Const. Michael Hibbs with Alberta RCMP.
“We want to make sure people reduce their speeds – at least if you’re travelling maybe a little below the speed limit or at the speed limit – you have more of an opportunity to slow down or maybe even stop safely.”
Rick Lang, a driver education manager for the Alberta Motor Association, is also urging people to take extra precautions during a snow event.
“Leave lots of room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Anticipate braking early – get on your brake and the guy behind you will see your brake lights and he will get on his brakes – and therefore lessen the chance of a rear end collision,” he said.
Watch below: Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for the Capital Region Friday. Up to 15 cm of snow was expected in the area.
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