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Snow this winter unprecedented, says Charlottetown public works

It appears a blizzard Sunday and Monday will confirm a record snowfall for the season in Charlottetown, but city public works manager Paul Johnston says the seasonal total is just part of the problem.

Charlottetown public works manager hasn't seen storms like this in 30 years

It appears a blizzard Sunday and Monday will confirm a record snowfall for the season in Charlottetown, but city public works manager Paul Johnston says the seasonal total is just part of the problem.

Major snowstorms in Charlottetown
Feb. 2-3 65.4 cm
Feb. 15-16 86.8 cm
March 15-16 55 cm (est.)

The snow has also come in big chunks. Most of the snow has fallen since Jan. 27, and that includes three storms of more than 50 centimetres.

"Looking back in 30 years, [I] haven't seen more than one 50 centimetre event a season, and we had two within 12 days and now we're basically looking at a third one," said Johnston.

"So it's been a tough go."

On mobile? To watch a video from CBC's Boomer Gallant discussing the record snowfall, click here

While there is not a lot of snow falling Monday winds have stayed high, which has kept crews busy as snow drifts back over streets. Johnston said crews have been on standby or working since 9 a.m. Sunday.

"They're looking at 24, 27 hours right now," said Johnston.

"[I'm] looking at maybe getting them some rest this afternoon, possibly, and then out again overnight. Hopefully the winds will be down a little bit."

Winds are expected to continue at 50 km/h gusting to 80 until about 6 p.m., when they will ease to 40 to 70, and not drop further until mid-afternoon Tuesday.