THUNDER BAY – Prepare for slippery driving conditions.
That’s the message from Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter, who is recommending caution on the roadways with temperatures expected to drop later Monday after morning showers and above freezing temperatures.
“The number one thing is to slow down,” Porter said. “The speed limit that is posted on the roadway is for ideal conditions and these of course won’t be ideal conditions.
“The second thing is to leave greater following room. You can’t leave one or two car lengths. You have to extend that quite a bit more with icy roads.”
Environment Canada is forecasting the temperature to hit about – 9C in the evening, which could cause havoc with already wet roads and sidewalks.
“Icy conditions are likely. The cold front will move through late this afternoon but the temperature will go below zero between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.,” said Peter Kimball, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada.
Porter is hoping temperatures don’t get too much colder than that.
If they stay in the – 10C range crews can work to prevent the roads from becoming too treacherous.
“People have to remember that salt works down to about – 15C so they will be out putting the salt and sand mixture down,” Porter said.
If the roads are messy with slush and salt he urges drivers to have working windshield wipers and a full reservoir of washer fluid to maintain visibility.
Porter also cautioned motorists to be wary of black ice in lower areas and on bridges.
