'Please drive accordingly'

Photo: Josh Winquist

30th Ave in downtown Vernon

"Drive according to the road conditions," is the message from the City of Vernon.

Vernon's director of operations, Shirley Koenig said it has been all hands on deck in dealing with this latest dump of snow.

"We have all our staff and 11 trucks going; all our resources are out." 

Koenig said, although the City is out in full force, drivers are still being urged to use caution and drive according to the road conditions.

"Allow yourself more time to get to your destination and drive defensively in these winter conditions," she said.

City crews are tackling the streets on a priority basis, as is the protocol for weather events like this storm.

• Priority 1 Roads - include arterials, collectors, bus routes, school zones and select problem areas.
• Priority 2 Roads - include all remaining roads except lanes and cul-de-sacs.
• Priority 3 Roads - include lanes and cul-de-sacs.

Through a press release the city issued this statement: "Depending on the volume and duration of the snow event, response times will vary to allow work crews the appropriate time to respond. Based on the forecasted snowfall, it may be 12 – 36 hours after the end of the snow event before local roads are addressed."

Sidewalks and walkways maintained by the City are also cleared on a priority basis

While sidewalks adjacent to residential and commercial properties are the responsibility of the resident or tenant.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Central and North Okanagan, with 10 to 15 centimetres expected to fall in the next 24 hours.