RCMP asked drivers to stay off area roads Thursday as heavy snowfall continued to strike Prince George and suggested that keeping the driving to a minimum today may also be worthwhile.
"The road conditions are deteriorating," North District RCMP traffic services Staff Sergeant Pat McTiernan said Thursday morning.
"Road crews are trying to keep up but let's face it, we all know that's going to be a losing battle for the next 24 to 48 hours and the highways are being affected in a similar manner.
"We don't recommend anybody travel unless they absolutely have to."
A snowfall warning issued by Environment Canada earlier this week was continued and as much as 15 more cm was forecast to fall by Thursday evening.
That was on top the 26 cm that had already fallen on the city's lower elevations by Wednesday night with more having fallen in the Hart.
However, the snow subsided by midday and the warning was ended, although a further two to four cm was forecast to fall overnight followed by another two to four cm today.
City crews were out full force Thursday, but the overnight accumulation meant they had to start at the top of their priority list for plowing - which is arterials, collectors, bus routes and problem hills - pushing the clearing of residential streets back to the bottom of the list.
"Unfortunately, that's the way it is with back-to-back snowfalls but our priorities don't change," said street operations supervisor Mick Jones. "So hopefully we can get into the residential and get through that before we get hit with another major snowfall."
Jones said snow clearing crews planned to work through the weekend to get things cleaned up.
A normal snowfall of four to six inches can take up to five and a half days to clear.
"But with the volume of snow out there it's going to be considerably more than that, I would estimate," said Jones.
The white stuff made the roads a challenge for drivers of all types.
"I know there at lots of people who aren't going to work and aren't sending their kids to school," McTiernan said, and added he's heard reports of both a school bus and an ambulance being stuck.
Mike Karpes of 5 Star Towing said he ended up in some jams of his own as he tried to rescue stranded motorists. His biggest beef was with homeowners who blow their snow out onto the side of the road.
"That's actually what caught me off guard, I went to turn a corner and got buried," Karpes said.
"So I had to get rid of the car I was towing, winch myself out and winch the car out to me and then try to go in the other direction."
Karpes fielded a flurry of phone calls from stranded motorists but had to turn down 90 per cent of them because they were in areas he could not reach. Because they work on commission, two of his drivers did not bother working Thursday because it simply took too long to deal with a call.
"It's not a big money day, that's for sure," Karpes said.
On Thursday morning, the school district issued a long list of routes that were either shortened due to the high snow or where there would be delays because the buses were stuck. School district superintendent Brian Pepper expected a return to business as usual, today.
McTiernan, meanwhile, warned that those caught driving on bald tires will see their vehicles taken off the road and impounded for seven days.
"If you've got bald tires on your car, why are you out there?" McTiernan said.
"You're affecting the ability for everybody for everybody else on the road who has proper snow tires to manouevre about the city."
-- with files from Charelle Evelyn
Fact box (story below)
Here are some tips from Prince George RCMP for driving on heavy snow days
Don't drive if you don't have to: If possible, reschedule plans and run errands on another day. If you must go out, try to get everything done in one trip;
Be prepared: This means having your vehicle properly equipped long before the snow falls. Proper winter tires with adequate tread, fully functioning lights and an emergency kit are essentials;
Listen to the forecast: If snow is in Mother Nature's plans, get up earlier in order to prepare for the commute. Properly clear off your vehicle's windows so that you have full vision. In addition, ensure all your vehicle's lights are clear (and being used) so that other drivers can see you;
Leave earlier: Plan to leave earlier so that you can take your time getting to your destination. Your commute will be improved and safer if you travel before the busy times;
Slow down: Take your time getting to your destination. Most collisions in snowy conditions can be avoided if drivers slow down and drive to the conditions. If you're late, being later may save your life;
Use four-wheel drive: If you have it, most people use it. It obviously allows drivers to have better mobility, but it does not allow drivers to stop quicker than any other vehicle on the road;
Use chains. If you have chains use them. Far too often we see commercial tractor trailers units attempting to travel up a hill without chains on the tires. Often this results in stuck or jack-knifed trucks slowing the commute for everyone else. You are professional drivers, the safety of everyone on the road is of greatest importance;
If you end up in a collision, keep calm: When it happens our focus often is on our vehicles instead of the surroundings. Please take a deep breath and ensure that if it happens to you, you don't step out into traffic and put yourself at greater risk. Make sure approaching vehicles can see you and your vehicle;
Most collisions don't need to be reported to the police. Collisions where no one is hurt and where the vehicles are drivable, do not need to be reported to the police. Call ICBC or your insurance provider and report your claim. It's always a good idea to take a photo or two.
