City of Peterborough Warns Forecasted Rain May Cause Localized Flooding
/The City of Peterborough is preparing for above-freezing temperatures and rain in the forecast, starting on Tuesday afternoon and continuing through Wednesday.
File Photo.
Peterborough Blogs
City of Peterborough Declares Significant Weather Event For Wednesday
/The City of Peterborough is declaring a Significant Weather Event to alert the community about the major winter storm expected to begin Wednesday evening through to Thursday.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
The potential for blizzard conditions and snowfall overnight could pose a danger to users of City roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Due to the anticipated accumulation volume, the City says snow-clearing operations will take longer than usual to complete.
“Declaring a Significant Weather Event is a way to advise residents, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists that clearing snow and treating surfaces on roads, sidewalks and bike lanes can be expected to be delayed compared to typical levels of service, due to the potential severity of the approaching storm,” said John Czerniawski, Manager, Public Works Operations.
City of Peterborough Public Works staff are tracking weather radar and preparing operations according to forecasts indicating snowfall between 15 and 30 cm overnight on Wednesday, with peak snowfall rates of two to four cm per hour and high wind gusts. Crews are also monitoring a second winter storm system expected on the weekend.
The City is prepared to deploy the full complement of 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, 7 loaders and backhoes and four light sanding units, with winter abrasives and de-icers stocked and staff ready to be deployed.
Crews will focus on arterial and collector roads first, with residential streets, sidewalks and trails to be addressed as resources and conditions allow. Work will continue until the City’s 978 kilometres of roads, 450 km of sidewalks, 39 kilometres of trails and 650 bus stops are cleared. When snow clearing operations on roads, sidewalks, trails and bus stops are complete, snow removal will begin at 250 locations including cul de sacs, dead ends and wide corners. Residents are reminded that there may be delays to this work based on available resources.
Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to maintaining municipal roads, sidewalks and bike lanes. During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution and are reminded that typical winter maintenance service levels for roads may not be met.
Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to adjust their driving based on the conditions. Visibility may be reduced.
Go slow
Watch for taillights ahead
Be prepared to stop
Road users and pedestrians are asked to leave crews the space to safely and effectively clean city streets, sidewalks and trails. Peterborough Transit may adjust service, including designated snow routes, in response to weather conditions. The City thanks residents for their assistance and patience while the snow-clearing work is underway.
Winter parking restrictions are in place and parking is prohibited on all City streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. every night. Additionally, residents are asked not to park on City streets for the duration of the storm to allow for effective snow clearing. Free overnight parking is available in municipal parking garages and surface lots during snowstorms. Drivers can use the parking garage entrance ticket for a free ride home on Peterborough Transit.
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City Reminds Public of Weather Services While Peterborough Is Under a Winter Storm Watch
/Peterborough has a winter storm watch in effect for the area with potentially another 20 to 40 centimetres of snow in the forecast for Wednesday evening into Thursday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
According to an Environment Canada monitoring station in the City’s north end, there was a recorded 30 centimetres of snow accumulation as of early this week, compared to three centimetres at the same time last year.
The City of Peterborough reminds residents to stay safe and follow winter parking restrictions to keep routes clear for snow plows.
The City’s Public Works division maintains 978 lane kilometres of road, 450 kilometres of sidewalks, 39 kilometres of trails, and 650 bus stops, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Snow-clearing operations are based on a priority route system.
Roads that see the highest traffic volume, are on transit routes or pass by the hospital are the highest priority for maintenance in winter weather. Arterial and collector roads are cleared first as required by legislated standards.
Once the arterial and collector roads are clear or safe, snow-clearing operations shift to residential or local streets.
Depending on the storm's severity, the time it takes to finish snow clearing can vary. A big storm with snowfall over a long period may mean it takes longer to clear snow from neighbourhood streets.
The City follows the provincial guidelines set under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. The regulations categorize and prioritize roads based on traffic volumes and speed limits – the greater the volume of traffic and the greater the speed limit on the roads, the greater the priority for snow and ice clearing. The guidelines also include standards for the winter maintenance of bike lanes along roads and sidewalks.
From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all City streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. to allow for quicker snow clearing at a lower cost because crews will not have to return to areas where vehicles were parked. The penalty for a violation is $35.
During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, parking is prohibited on all City streets between midnight and 8 a.m. The penalty for violating this By-Law is $80 and vehicles may be towed.
Free overnight parking is available at all municipal lots, the King Street Parkade and the Simcoe Parking Garage. Those parking overnight at either parking garage can use the gate arm ticket for a free transit trip home.
Residents must clear their driveways and ensure snowbanks do not block sight lines. It is illegal to deposit snow from a driveway or parking lot on a roadway and can result in a ticket under the Highway Traffic Act.
For waste collection in winter when there is snow accumulation, green bins and recycling bins should be placed on cleared driveways or areas on the boulevard, not on top of a snowbank or in the roadway.
There should be two feet of space around the Green Bin to allow the mechanical arm to lift the bin.
Bins should not be placed on the road. Bins on the road can interfere with snow removal operations and block traffic.
When road conditions become slippery during heavy snowfalls, Peterborough Transit may adjust operations and specific bus routes to follow designated snow routes when necessary. If Snow Routes are activated, information will be posted on peterborough.ca, and updates will be provided on Peterborough Transit and City of Peterborough social media accounts.
The following routes have designated Snow Routes:
Route 4 Weller
Route 6 Sherbrooke
Route 8 Monaghan
Route 11A Water
Community Bus 22 - Blue
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City of Peterborough Prepared For Approaching Winter Weather Season
/The City of Peterborough’s snow-clearing crews are ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to keep the community moving when the winter weather arrives.
Photo by Aaron Elliott.
“The City’s snow clearing operations prioritize safety and efficiency to make sure roads, sidewalks and trails are clear and accessible. No matter what the weather, our crews will be out there working around the clock to make sure residents can safely get to where they need to be,” said Municipal Operations co-chairs Keith Riel and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement.
The City clears roads, bike lanes and sidewalks based on regulated maintenance standards.
The City’s snow-clearing operations include:
18 plow trucks, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes, and four light sanding units to cover 978 kilometres of roads
11 sidewalk plows to cover 450 kilometres of sidewalks
Maintenance to 39 kilometres of trails and 650 bus stops
Winter service to 27 Municipal Surface Parking Lots
Service levels
Snow-clearing operations are based on a priority route system.
Roads that see the highest traffic volume, are on transit routes or pass by the hospital are the highest priority for maintenance in winter weather. Arterial and collector roads are cleared first as required by legislated standards.
Once the arterial and collector roads are clear or safe, snow-clearing operations shift to residential or local streets.
Depending on the storm's severity, the time it takes to finish snow clearing can vary. A big storm with snowfall over a long period may mean clearing snow from neighbourhood streets takes longer.
The City follows the provincial guidelines set under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. The regulations categorize and prioritize roads based on traffic volumes and speed limits – the greater the volume of traffic and the greater the speed limit on the roads, the greater the priority for snow and ice clearing. The guidelines also include standards for the winter maintenance of bike lanes along roads and sidewalks.
Snow clearing in the downtown
As snow accumulates during the winter, City crews regularly remove snowbanks in the downtown area. To keep the space clear for the snow removal, no parking signs are posted ahead of the snowbank removal work.
Winter parking restrictions
Parking rules change in the snowy season to assist with snow-clearing work. Keeping streets clear overnight allows for better, quicker snow clearing of City streets.
From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all City streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The fine for a violation is $25.
During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any City street. The fine is $80 for this violation and vehicles may be towed. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m.
Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, the King Street Parkade and the Simcoe Parking Garage. Vehicles parked overnight at either garage can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry to use for a free transit trip home.
Declaring a Significant Weather Event
Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to the maintenance of municipal roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. During a Significant Weather Event declaration, all roadways in the municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair with respect to snow accumulation.
During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution and are reminded that typical winter maintenance service levels for roads may not be met. Motorists are advised to stay home and only use the roads for necessary travel.
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Otonabee Conservation Issues Watershed Conditions Statement
/Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety has been issued for all watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation, with the exception of the Trent-Severn Waterway.
otonabee conservation logo
With widespread rainfall over the next few days, Otonabee Conservation says high-than-normal water flows and levels that could be dangerous are expected, although flooding is not a concern.
Total local rainfall amounts of 30 to 45 mm are predicted over the next 24 hours with showers becoming heavier at times with the risk of thunderstorms this evening and overnight and into the day on Wednesday.
While flooding is not expected, Otonabee Conservation says the forecasted rainfall will create ponding in low lying areas, roadways and higher-than-normal water levels and flows on all local watercourses.
The alert is in-effect until Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m., unless updated earlier.
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Peterborough Expected to Get Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms In Special Weather Statement
/Peterborough, Lakefield and Southern Peterborough County are expected to get heavy rain in slow-moving thunderstorms on Friday according to Environment Canada.
Photo by Keegan Beekers.
Torrential downpours are expected with rainfall amounts of 30 to 60 mm but could even be higher. The rainfall is expected to continue into this evening.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads according to Environment Canada. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch For July 24
/Peterborough, Lakefield and southern Peterborough County are under a severe thunderstorm watch that began Wednesday morning through until the evening.
Photo courtesy of Jay Callaghan.
Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for developing severe thunderstorms. These may produce strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h, torrential downpours with 50 mm falling within an hour, nickel- to Toonie-sized hail, and heavy rain.
These conditions can cause significant damage. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.
Emergency Management Ontario recommends taking cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Go indoors if you hear thunder roar.
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Peterborough Could See Heavy Rainfall Wednesday and Thursday From Hurricane Beryl Remnants
/Peterborough and parts of the County could receive heavy rainfall due to the remnants of Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday and Thursday according to Environment Canada.
Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.
Peterborough, Lakefield and southern parts of the County are the potential affected areas.
Rainfall is expected to begin either late Tuesday night or Wednesday and continue into Thursday.
Torrential downpours are estimated to bring 20 to 40 mm per hour at times while localized rainfall totals possibly well over 50 mm.
Although confidence in the weather system's exact track is low, these systems have produced very high rainfall rates in torrential downpours in the past says Environment Canada.
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Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Under Tornado Watch
/Peterborough and the Kawarthas are under a tornado watch according to Environment Canada to develop this afternoon and continue into the evening.
Photo courtesy of Tyler George.
Weather conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.
The risk of tornadoes can see strong winds gusting to 110 km/h with nickel-to-toonie-sized hail.
In case of severe weather, take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Photo courtesy of Instant Weather.
In the event of a tornado or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, Environment Canada recommends the following actions:
Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelters and move to a strong building if possible.
As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.
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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch
/Peterborough and the Kawarthas are under a severe thunderstorm watch that can take effect on Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of Jay Callaghan.
