With a snow squall warning in place, the City of Sault Ste. Marie has declared a significant weather event.
The snow squall warning from Environment Canada warns of the potential of 30 to 40 cm of snow through Friday with peak snowfall rates of 5 to 10 cm per hour and poor visibility at times.
The city's notice warns of the potential of up to 50 cm of snow.
Snow squalls cause weather conditions to change considerably and quickly with visibilities sometimes suddenly reduced.
"The declaration of a significant weather event is not a notice of a reduced level of service or road closure," a release from the city said.
"It is intended to notify the public that caution must be observed when travelling on city-maintained roads. Restoring the roads to optimal conditions may take longer than usual. Public works monitors the weather and patrols the roadways to deploy all available crews to address any snow and ice accumulation. During a winter event, all roads and sidewalks maintained by the city are considered to be in a 'state of repair.'"
The city is asking residents to not leave garbage and recycling carts out the night before collection due to the issues they can cause with plowing and snow removal. Garbage and recycling bins should be placed curbside before 7 a.m. on collection day.
Motorists should drive according to the conditions and allow space for heavy equipment operators to clear and sand roadways safely and efficiently.
The city's parking bylaw remains in effect, with motorists not permitted to park on city streets between midnight and 6 a.m. during the winter months though motorists should not park on city streets or impede sidewalks during the day to assist in the efficiency of snow removal.
The heavy snowfall could also cause delays with city transit.