Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is gearing up for some rather unsettled, wet weather over the course of the weekend.

Environment Canada is expecting snow tonight to turn into flurries or showers overnight with a chance of freezing rain and the temperature rising to plus 2 by morning.  Measurements at the City’s wastewater treatment plant indicate areas of the city have seen more than five centimetres of snow since yesterday, but it is the freezing rain that has city crews occupied at the moment.

“The freezing rain in the forecast is more of a concern than the current snowfall,” says Supervisor of Streets Operations Mick Jones. “We will be applying winter traction materials at intersections, curves, and hills throughout the city.”

Drivers should also mind the rapidly changing environment, and plan their travel accordingly. “Motorists are reminded to monitor the weather and to drive to the conditions at all times,” says Jones.

The forecast is for rain Saturday and Sunday with highs around plus 5 or 6.

Prince George still faces a forecast with higher temperatures and melting over the next week. In preparation, crews from the City’s Streets and Utilities Divisions have been clearing snow from ditches in problem areas, and ensuring that catch basins are clear of obstructions.

This weekend, the City will have a foreman on-call and staff and equipment operators ready to work overtime.