The dip in temperatures can cause problems with road conditions, travel plans, and power, as a large part of Lacombe learned the hard way on Boxing Day.

Lacombe fire crews were called to English Estates over the supper hour for a downed powerline, affecting about 1700 costumers.

Communications Manager with Fortis Alberta Alana Antonelli says there are plenty of unique challenges while working in the cold, but they take all the steps to get the work done safely, and as quickly as possible.

“There’s potential for sips and trips, cold exposure, that kind of thing. There can be challenges of operating equipment and tools in the cold, so as part of their injury prevention planning, which is something they do prior to taking on any work, they must account for working out in the cold. We provide them with appropriate protective clothing, such as special boots for traction.”

She says snow and ice combined with extreme cold can have odd and potentially damaging effects on power lines.

“Lines that kind of bounce and that can happen as a result of hoarfrost sometimes, we call it galloping, they literally kind of bounce up and down and that can cause them to snap.”

Power was restored to all of the homes by about 10pm as Fortis crews worked in temperatures close to minus 30 with the wind-chill to make sure others didn't freeze.