During a meeting of the Riga City Council's Traffic and Transport Committee, Kristaps Kauliņš, director of the Department of Outdoor Space and Mobility, explained that street maintenance in Riga takes into account four meteorological forecasts. While these forecasts are not always accurate, they are crucial for planning maintenance activities, especially during adverse weather conditions like the snowstorm experienced on the previous Friday. Responding to opposition concerns, officials provided insights on how the unpredictable weather affects city traffic and maintenance operations.

Kauliņš detailed that the department monitors weather conditions 24/7 and utilizes the forecasts to make informed decisions about street maintenance labor. Despite the challenges, it has been observed that this year's forecasts have performed well compared to previous years, suggesting some improvement in predictive accuracy. The officials emphasize that rational decision-making is relied upon, considering both data and common sense.

On the Friday morning in question, preventive measures were taken, with streets already treated to prevent snow from bonding and accumulating on the roads. In total, cleanup and treatment units were dispatched across the capital's streets, underscoring the proactive efforts of the local government to ensure safe transportation during harsh weather. The ongoing collaboration between meteorologists and city planners is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of urban maintenance and minimizing disruptions caused by the elements.