South Peace drivers urged to use caution as strong winds cause drifting snow

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Drivers across the South Peace region are being urged to use caution as strong winds and drifting snow can create challenging road conditions.

According to Shelley Fulmes, quality assurance manager with Argo Road Maintenance, rising temperatures have contributed to the development of strong winds, which are causing light snow that accumulated through December to drift back onto roadways.

Argo Road Maintenance has maintained roads and bridges in the South Peace region since 2019. Wind speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour are forecasted from Monday to Tuesday in Peace region communities near the Rocky Mountains, according to forecasts from Environment Canada. 

Fulmes says crews are currently prioritizing main and secondary highways, while additional plow trucks and graders are working across the extensive side road network to maintain access.

Fulmes noted that persistent winds mean snow may drift into roads again after being cleared, and equipment may not be able to immediately return until full routes are completed.

“Drifting can occur rapidly and may result in difficult driving conditions, particularly for smaller vehicles,” Fulmes said. 

Motorists are being advised not to attempt driving through large snowdrifts, as vehicles can become stuck or damaged.

Fulmes added that when a vehicle becomes immobilized in a drift, plowing operations must stop in that area, delaying service to other roads.