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Whirlwind of weather events causes problems in Kelowna

From record highs to near record lows, December was a weather rollercoaster

  • Cold weather can be fatal
  • City of Kelowna trying to keep roads clear
  • RCMP urges drivers to be safe

Kelowna was met with a near 40-degree temperature swing in December, with a high of 17.8C when the month started, and now lows of mid -20C.

It has brought a litany of complications for everyone, from transportation tangles to fatal outdoor conditions thanks to a polar vortex settling in over the holidays.

Kelowna RCMP was called out on Dec. 28, after bylaw officers found an unresponsive man on the 1400-block of Pandosy Street while conducting a well-being check. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause of death isn’t yet known but isn’t considered suspicious.

Although the investigation is now in the hands of the BC Coroners Service, Cpl. Tammy Lobb said the extreme cold would be taken into consideration.

Officers from the Community Safety Unit (CSU) are out patrolling downtown and Rutland all year round. In the winter, they help conduct well-being checks to make sure people on the streets are safe.

“They get to know all of our marginalized clients who are living on the streets and frequenting a lot of our shelters,” Lobb told Kelowna10.

CSU, bylaw officers, and other frontline members help find shelter beds, assist in transportation, and provide warm clothing.

“We’ve had a huge donation of hats, gloves, and socks, so we’ve been passing those out as we see people in need of those items and we’ve been handing out some sleeping bags and tents as well,” she said.

According to Environment Canada, Dec. 29 saw a high of -15C, with snow expected to fall throughout the night. Warmer temperatures are expected by the weekend.

More snow paired with cold weather means slippery roads. The City of Kelowna said plowing alone during extremely cold conditions doesn’t provide many benefits as it can create a slick surface. The city said sanding is ideal as it provides good friction, especially when combined with drivers using winter tires.

Environment Canada said road salt can have adverse environmental impacts, so the city tries to use other viable snow and ice mitigations when it’s safe and feasible.

Cpl. Lobb said the main message to drivers during the winter is to have an emergency safety kit in their vehicles that includes warm clothing, shovels, and water to keep them safe if they get stranded.

“But again, check the weather before heading out, be prepared, don’t be in a hurry, take your time, and adjust to the road conditions at all times.”

Published 2021-12-29 by Jordan Brenda

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