Provincial plows have been taken off the roads on the Avalon Peninsula but an official State of Emergency has yet to be called by the provincial government.
Crews are still on standby however, and provincial crews helped to escort an ambulance from Clarenville to St. John’s earlier today.
On a municipal level, States of Emergency have been declared throughout the Northeast Avalon. That means all businesses are ordered closed and all vehicles are ordered off the roads.
Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair says Ottawa is monitoring the storm situation in Newfoundland and will be there to provide help if needed.
The federal government is monitoring the severe weather in Newfoundland and Labrador. We will be there to provide help if needed. Stay off the roads, and stay safe!
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) January 17, 2020
Provincial Minister of Transportation and Works, Steve Crocker says depots remain open, but the crews have come off the road.
Crocker says he has been in regular contact with the Premier and Fire and Emergency Services should things get even worse.
RCMP Warn Drivers to Stay Off the Road or Risk Getting Stuck
RCMP are urging drivers to stay off the road and if you do venture out, be prepared to spend an extended amount of time in your vehicle.
This blizzard is creating treacherous conditions in many areas across the island. Please stay off roads. Don't endanger yourself or first responders. Video credit: Holyrood RCMP #Snowmaggedon2020 #NLtraffic #NLwx pic.twitter.com/Z912T2y8Jy
— RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador (@RCMPNL) January 17, 2020
RCMP Media Relations Officers Corporal Jolene Garland says simply put, emergency responders may not be able to get to you if you run into trouble.
She says if you do decide not to heed warnings and venture out on the roads, be prepared to be stuck in your vehicle for an extended period of time.
Officers have already responded to two incidents of people off the road and encountered significant difficulties responding.
“SWAT” Drivers, Provincial Plows Pulled from Roads Due to Dangerous Conditions
How bad are conditions out there?
They’re so bad that even those who volunteer to get essential workers into work are pulling their vehicles off the road.
Transportation and Works are taking plows off on the Avalon Peninsula because conditions are too dangerous to operate.
Numerous depots on the Avalon are reporting that it’s become too dangerous for plows to operate. Plows are coming off the highway.
Motorists are reminded to stay off the highways.
Travel is NOT recommended. #nltraffic #GovNL
— Transportation and Works NL (@TW_GovNL) January 17, 2020
SWAT, or the Severe Weather Assistance Team, is made up of Jeep owners who have specially modified vehicles to get through all kinds of conditions.
They volunteer their time during major weather events to help get doctors, nurses and other essential services into work.
Spokesperson Lori Crane says while conditions weren’t too bad this morning, they have deteriorated significantly.
She says when plows come off the roads, they come off the roads.
A private plow operator tells VOCM News that he’s never seen conditions like this in his life—including complete white-outs, and a drift across Kelsey Drive that was at least four feet deep. He drives a 2500 truck with four-wheel drive and found getting around “dicey.”
