W I N T E R W E A T H E R W A R N I N G S
There are some predictions for this winter that are
forecasting big swings in temperatures and that makes the
City nervous. When temperatures fl ip fl op from -10 to 39,
they act like a hammer to infrastructure. Everything from
water mains to roads to sidewalks are impacted.
For streets, the cooling and then heating of the pavement
causes it to expand, contract and then crack. As the snow
melts, ice can get into those cracks and freeze overnight,
expanding and making the cracks even bigger. Then as cars
and trucks drive over those areas, the road surface breaks
up and creates potholes.
When there's a thaw forecasted and there's snow on the
streets, the most immediate concern we have is fl ooding in
places you usually don't see – like your residential street.
In the winter, catch basins are often snow covered but the
drains themselves are open and ready to receive water.
When these weather conditions occur, you will see City
crews out attempting to clear catch basins. If you see street
fl ooding that looks like more than snow melt, please call
the City as it could be a water main break. If it's after 5pm
or on the weekend, please call 911 and let them know your
concern.
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