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Kelowna Residents Embrace First Significant Snowfall of Winter

On Monday morning, residents of Kelowna, British Columbia, were finally able to dust off their snowblowers and shovels as the region experienced its first considerable snowfall of the winter season. Many locals had found their winter equipment untouched until now due to an unusually dry January and December.

“Nothing, hardly any,” remarked Leith Handley, a Kelowna resident, when he reflected on how little snow shovelling he had done prior to this snowfall.

The lack of snow accumulation this winter had left many eager for shovelling duties. Eight-year-old Owen expressed his enthusiasm by stating, “We’ve done at least four or five driveways today,” showcasing the excitement that fresh snow can bring.

The snowfall began early Sunday and persisted throughout the day and into the night. Measurements indicated nearly nine centimeters of snowfall in Kelowna’s Lower Mission, with some areas experiencing up to twelve centimeters depending on their elevation.

Despite the total snow accumulation, meteorologist Peter Quinlan from Global News emphasized that the timing of the winter’s first meaningful snowfall is what makes it noteworthy. “We usually see our first significant snow in December and January,” Quinlan explained. “February is definitely a little late, and we are kind of on the tail end of winter in the Okanagan.”

The late arrival of the snow mobilized the city’s snow removal team, who deployed a fleet of 22 plow trucks and four graders to manage the roads effectively.

Preparation for Icy Roads

As temperatures were expected to rise above freezing during the day, only to plunge again overnight, Geert Bos, the city’s infrastructure operations manager, stated that crews would be on duty throughout the night. Their goal was to apply sand and salt to the roads, thereby preventing icy conditions ahead of the Tuesday morning commute.

The snowfall held particular joy for children, as it coincided with a provincial statutory holiday, allowing them to enjoy a day off school. “I think it’s so much fun. We get to go sledding and build snowmen,” said ten-year-old Kaylene, highlighting the excitement that comes with winter weather.

Many children seized the opportunity to play outside in the snow, with twelve-year-old Evan commenting, “We get to play in the snow because we have been waiting all year.” Some parents, like Patrick Magnusson, joined in the fun, sledding with their children on local hills. “Let’s enjoy it while it lasts,” Magnusson said, reminding everyone that spring is just around the corner.

Source
globalnews.ca