Freezing Rain Warning for April 14 & 15 (Updated)

Freezing Rain Warning this weekend in Markham

CITY OPERATIONS UPDATE:

All our crews and resources continued to work throughout the night.

All primary and secondary roads have been plowed and are open. All lane ways were completed overnight. Local road plowing began yesterday at noon and will be completed today.

Loaders are following the local road plows clearing catch basins and standing water in wide corners and cul de sacs. Many local plow routes were plowed open by tandem trucks. With limited turning capacity, some cul de sacs and wide corners may appear to be not properly plowed to the centre or curb.

The loaders following the local plows continue to properly clean these areas starting last night, continuing today. Residents can help by clearing and opening any catch basins that are blocked.

Approved senior and disabled windrow applicants will be completed mid-day Wednesday.

Sidewalks continue to be our greatest challenge, predominantly sidewalks located on Regional roads and bridge decks where snow storage is limited and heavy/wet snow is difficult for sidewalk machines to open. Sidewalk plowing continues today and will continue again tomorrow. Some of this work can only be completed overnight as lane restrictions will be required to remove the snow. We project sidewalks to be fully open by end of day Thursday.

MARKHAM, ON – April 13, 2018 – Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for Markham and surrounding areas this weekend starting on Saturday and continuing into Sunday. Significant ice build-up due to freezing rain is expected and an ice storm is considered likely to occur.

Ice build-up of 10 to 20 mm appears quite likely across the region by Sunday morning. Ice accumulations of this magnitude combined with gusty northeast winds up to 60 km/h may result in widespread power outages due to fallen tree limbs and power lines. Residents are advised to stay clear of downed power lines.

Alectra Utilities has issued a media release, asking customers in their service territory to be prepared for potential power outages this weekend. If you experience a power outage or want Alectra updates, please access Alectra's Twitter channel @AlectraNews, download their mobile app or visit the outage map at www.alectrautilities.com. To report outages or receive updates on restoration times call 1-877-963-6900.

The City of Markham reminds residents that it is important for families and individuals to prepare to take care of themselves and check on vulnerable family and neighbours. Prepare your family Home Emergency Preparedness Kit. A basic kit should include the following:

• Water - 4 litres per person, per day (2 litres for drinking and 2 litres for sanitation and food preparation)
• Non-perishable food i.e. canned food, dried food, energy bars
• Manual can opener
• Wind up or battery powered radio and flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra keys for home and car
• Cash in small bills and change
• Change of clothes
• Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
• Special items such as prescription medication, infant formula, etc.
• Ensure you charge up your electronic devices in advance of the storm

Call Markham's Contact Centre to report any tree issues or other municipal service needs at 905-477-7000 and be sure to tune into Markham's local radio station, 105.9FM The Region for current information.

For a complete list of facilities and hours of operation, visit markham.ca.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit markham.ca/AreYouPrepared.

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For media inquiries:

Andrea Berry, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Community Engagement at aberry@markham.ca or 416-556-6975 (cell).

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,100 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 210 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.