It had already been an unusually long, cold winter in Pale Gate City, but as March approached and the temperature began to rise as high as the high 50s during the day, PGC's residents happily anticipated the coming of spring.
This left them wholly unprepared for the blizzard that struck suddenly and swiftly in the wee hours of morning on Thursday, March 9th, burying the city under pounds and pounds of heavy snow, the strong gusts of wind able to carry the flurries far, so that almost no part of the city has been unaffected. Fueled by an icy gale from the north that is showing no signs of abating, the weather is expected to continue into next week and possibly longer. PGC residents can expect cold, harsh winds, ice, and more snow, though the heaviest snowfall has already begun to lessen slightly.
The city's public transportation system has ground to a halt due to the resulting technical difficulties. The subway is expected to resume service by this afternoon, but travellers can expect long delays and are advised to go on foot whenever they are able.
Classes at Caleria University have been cancelled for the day. They are scheduled to resume tomorrow, as long as some form of public transportation has been restored by then. Any students who live close to campus and can make it there safely on foot are asked to help clear out some of the snow in front of some snowed-in buildings. While no one has been reported missing, it is possible that a few students have been trapped.
By far the most troublesome parts of the city are the older apartment buildings. Many of their pipes burst during the night, and one building lacks an adequate central heating system.
The Mayor has yet to hold an official press conference concerning the matter, but City Hall has urged everyone to stay safely inside their homes whenever possible until more details about the weather and how it will continue to affect the city can be ascertained.