Winnipeg’s first storm delivers snow, slick roads, and lasting winter

If you were hoping for a white Christmas, you no longer have to worry.

Winnipeg has been blanketed with snow following the first major storm over the weekend and with this heavy snow, comes slick roads and it has Manitobans bracing for a winter that is clearly here to stay. 

And some, like Ahmed Nur, who is entering Winter 30 in Winnipeg, he’s facing the work of Jack Frost full speed. 

“I shoveled three times last night,” he said. “Because I knew the snow was pretty wet and heavy, so I’m like well I can’t wait till tomorrow, so I got to get it done now so it’s not too heavy for me.” 

The city is clearly under winter’s icy grip as the recent storm dumped roughly 20 centimetres on streets and sidewalks, the city now focusing on clearing Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes, with residential sidewalks next in line, likely starting Tuesday. 

“There are a few hundred pieces out there every shift in a full operation like that and that’s the case for this one as well and it will be like that until tomorrow night” said the City of Winnipeg’s Manager of Streets Maintenance Michael Cantor.

The city is also monitoring conditions and applying salt and sand to slippery surfaces while addressing drifting snow, and while crews work around the clock to clear the way, CityNews hit the streets to find out how locals are managing. 

“It’s here. That means Christmas is close; which is great,” said Glen Middleton, who is working his way through winter 67. “Wonderful time for Christmas and gets me some exercise.” 

Nur said he too is ready for whatever winter has to offer, saying it’s his understanding, it’ll be much more snow. 

“I know that La Niña is supposed to be coming this year, so expect the snow this year, pretty sure it’s going to be a heavy one this year,” he said. 

And with the arrival of the snow, Winnipeggers also need to watch out for the annual Winter Route Parking ban now in effect, which means no parking between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. on certain streets, the city reminding residents to “Know Your Zone” with its smartphone application. 

“Maybe we will have a residential parking ban at some point this season and you got to move your vehicle,” said Cantor. “Avoid a tow and ticket and mostly allow us to plow your streets better.”

While snow is expected to taper off by Wednesday, temperatures around that time are expected to plunge, with Environment Canada predicting wind chills reaching – 40 C by Thursday.