Road crews across Nova Scotia were preparing for Monday’s heavy snowfall by having the salt and brine prepared.
“Last night we were actually out putting a direct liquid application on the road which is a brine solution,” said Darcie MacBain, regional manager of the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Snow started in southwest Nova Scotia early in the afternoon, moving into the Halifax region hours later. The biggest accumulation is expected overnight.
“We're going out, putting a run of salt on and then they'll be plowing all through the rest of the evening tonight and into tomorrow,” said MacBain.
Halifax's acting superintendent of winter operations, Trevor Harvie, says the municipality is trying to be more proactive this year with hopes of avoiding some of the problems of last winter.
“Tonight's going to be an interesting night for sure,” said Harvie.
Aided by recent mild temperatures and rain, downtown streets and sidewalks are virtually clear in the lead-up to this storm.
Wind gusts are expected to be a major factor overnight. Provincial crews will focus on the Annapolis Valley, the Cobequid Pass and areas around Antigonish.
“Some areas are more susceptible to blowing and drifting snow than others,” said MacBain. “We also look at some areas where visibility will be very poor,” said MacBain.
“Once we plow a street it will be filling right back in behind us and it's not going to stop until around noon (Tuesday),” said Harvie.
The overnight winter parking ban is being enforced Tuesday from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. The Halifax Regional Municipality is asking people to move things like green bins, garbage bags and hockey nets away from the curb so plows are able to get through.
Solid waste collection is cancelled for Tuesday. Crews will be working steady over the next 24 hours, working to stay on top of things. Snow removal starts later this week.
For now, both the province and the municipality are asking people to stay off the roads and be patient.
With file from CTV Atlantic’s Sarah Ritchie.
