Our cold spell in Saskatchewan is finally easing off! Currently we are sitting at Minus 5 Celsius (or a balmy 23 above Fahrenheit) and aiming for 0C or 32 above Fahrenheit.
Frigid Arctic air moving in and settling over Saskatchewan in January is not that unusual. With snow and ice thrown in, chaos and collisions are inevitable on our highways and city streets.
This year, what has been notable during our recent cold spell has been the intensity, quantity, and bizarre nature of accidents and incidents happening around Saskatchewan (Regina) – on and off our roads.
One of the earlier, more notable incidents was an explosion at Luiggi’s Pasta House, when a steel pipe (Experiencing shrinkage due to the frigid temps ?) fell from the roof and struck a gas line fitting.
https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/explosion-fire-at-luiggis-pasta-house-deemed-accidental
This incident was quickly followed by other fires and explosions involving commercial buildings, residences and vehicles… including what appeared to be one train (which it turned out was a deliberate effort to repair a rail line connection that had come apart).
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BdPDfT6EkeU55Hr/?mibextid=qi2Omg
With emergency crews working around the clock to extinguish or control fires, our temperatures set off a new round of chaos caused by water pipes freezing and bursting around the city – most notably at The Delta, one of our most popular convention hotels, a large multi-residential buildings in Harbour Landing (one of our newer sub-divisions), various schools and university buildings, and Regina’s own City Hall.
All of which, of course, was in addition to our typical high incidence of vehicle accidents throughout and around our city – including a city bus, school bus, and a number of semi’s.
Although, it is a relief that our temperatures are finally rising, troubles are hardly over for those hardest hit by our recent cold snap and those who are working to make things right again. Vehicles are lined up at auto body and mechanical shops around the city, maintenance crews are out working on broken water mains. Contractors, plumbers, and heating professionals are scrambling…. You get the idea. It will take a while for things to be back to normal.
And while the cold spell of 2024 will be remembered (at least until the next one arrives) – so will the heroes that stepped up to help those in need. During such spells, emergency professionals (firemen, police, paramedics, maintenance crews, tow truck drivers… ) are out in force – as are family, friends, neighbours, and strangers who arrive with booster cables, shovels, or a helping hand, when and where they are needed.
Keep safe & warm and have a great day! 🌞💞
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 