City of Saskatoon crews are preparing for the weather event that is expected to take place this weekend, bringing about 20-40 centimetres of snow and 60km/h winds to Saskatoon.

Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, says the snow will be plowed on a priority system. Priority 1 streets such as Circle Drive, Idylwyld, College Drive, and 22nd Street will be tended to within 12 hours after the snowfall ends. Within 36 hours, Priority 2 streets like Clarence Avenue, McKercher Drive and Millar Avenue will be plowed, and within 72 hours Priority 3 streets such as Louise Avenue and Main Street will be taken care of.

Residential streets are not included in the City’s regular winter maintenance strategy; however, Saric says neighborhoods will be assessed on Monday to see if any additional work is required.

“In the meantime, if residents have any concerns, or if they need assistance on their local street, and if it’s really an urgent situation, they can always reach out to our Customer Care Centre and contact the centre at 306-975-2476,” he assures.

His message to residents is to “Minimize the amount of travel on city streets over the weekend as much as they can. Do all those errands…and pick up medications if you need to before Saturday at noon.”

He adds that while, driving, if motorists see amber and blue flashing lights on equipment, they should allow at least 15 metres of room for those equipment operators to do their job safely.

He adds that the City’s snow and ice management budget for this year is $15.9 million, and a snow event of this scale will cost $1.2-$1.5 million dollars.