Montreal short on workers during rush to clear roads before another freeze – Montreal

The City of Montreal is shortstaffed as workers race against the clock to clear large amounts of slush and water before temperatures plummet over night once again.

Weather conditions forced widespread school closures, which in turn affected blue collar workers.

READ MORE: Icy conditions force widespread Montreal-area school closures

“In our borough, many workers didn’t come to work this morning,” explained Sud-Ouest borough mayor Benoit Dorais.

The rapidly changing weather conditions are complicating the city’s job of clearing streets.

The city wasn’t done removing the remnants of the weekend storm when another blast of winter weather struck on Wednesday night. The temperature began to rise and the snow turned change to rain, causing streets and roadways to flood.

READ MORE:
Slushy mess greets Montreal commuters after onslaught of freezing rain, snow

“What makes it complicated for the city at this point is having to deal with two different operations,” Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante told reporters.

Plante explained the city had to spread its resources between snow loading and clearing sidewalks and streets before the water freezes over.

Temperatures are expected to hit a low of -11 C Friday morning.

“We’re racing against the clock,” Plante said.

The city says it believes there are enough resources to do a big part of the job, but not all of it.

WATCH BELOW: Winter weather wreaks havoc on Montreal streets

Work crews are focusing on the city’s main roads and sidewalks.

The city is asking Montrealers to be patient and careful on the roads.