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Plows hit streets as Christmas snowstorm blows into Manitoba

By: Staff Writer

24/12/2009 3:05 PM | Comments: 8

A bobcat clears snow in preparation for Christmas Eve services at The House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minn., today. (HANNAH FOSLIEN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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This image taken at 2:45 a.m. Thursday shows the major winter storm lumbering across the continent. "It's an unusually large storm, even for the Plains," according to Scott Whitmore, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Topeka. (NOAA / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WINNIPEG — Santa's been more than generous with Manitobans who wished for a bit more snow for Christmas, as a major snowstorm blows into southern parts of the province.

The province's highways are slippery, and visibility is reduced by blowing snow. Yellowhead RCMP reported crews worked overnight clearing and sanding Highway 16 from Minnedosa to the Saskatchewan border. They have reported several minor collisions since the snow began.

Snow disposal

The following snow disposal sites are now open:

Kenaston Snow Disposal Site - located on the west side of Kenaston Boulevard, between McGillivray Boulevard and Wilkes Avenue
Charleswood Lagoon Site – South side of Wilkes Avenue, adjacent to the Charleswood Lagoon.
South End Water Pollution Control Centre Site – South of Perimeter Highway, East of St. Mary’s Road.
Ravelston Site – Ravelston Avenue Low Storage Pond on Ravelston Avenue, 1 km west of Plessis
Road.
McPhillips Site – Site is 1.25 km south of Perimeter Highway on the east side of McPhillips Avenue.

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Over the next two days, up to 25 centimetres of snow and winds of up to 60 km/h are forecast for communities along the U.S. border, from Lake of the Woods to the Melita area. The forecast for the city of Winnipeg calls for a high of -8 and close to 10 more centimeters of snow.

The City of Winnipeg began a truck plowing operation on main routes this morning, due to large amount of snow accumulating from the storm, the first of the winter in the city.

Snow clearing will continue throughout the day. The condition of sidewalks and back lanes will be monitored in case additional clearing is required.

The city has also been salting and sanding streets since yesterday afternoon, and will continue around the clock for the duration of the storm to improve driving safety during the Christmas rush.

Snow at intersections is being cleared with front-end loaders. As snow is expected to continue to fall, the plowing operation will likely continue on Christsmas Day and through the weekend.

Motorists must move their vehicles by 2 a.m. from streets designated as snow routes, as part of the annual Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban, which remains in effect until March 1, 2009. For more information, citizens may call 775-SNOW (775-7669) or go to www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks.

The city reminds motorists to drive safely and cautiously based on road conditions, and especially when driving near plowing or salting/sanding equipment. Plowing operations commenced in accordance with the city council-approved Snow Cleaning and Ice Control Policy, which can be found online at www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/Snow_Clearing_Policy/default.asp.

Travellers are advised to stay tuned to this storm system due to the potential for travel disruptions — especially near and south of the border. Winter storm and blizzard warnings are already in effect for much of North Dakota and Minnesota.

For updates on current highway conditions, check with Manitoba Highways.

Some flights from Minnesota into Winnipeg were cancelled this morning, but it appears later flights are on schedule. Check the airport's website for updates.

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8 Comments

Posted by: gordieg

December 25, 2009 at 10:01 AM

Too all you people who commented have a safe
holiday and take your time if you must drive
as better to get there safely than not and
have a good one...Please for Lord`s sake
don`t drink and drive,It`s not worth it as
we here in Sask.....see too much of that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by: null

December 24, 2009 at 8:15 PM

Happy Holiday's to all.

Please slow down and watch out for those trying to clear our streets and roads as well as those travelling to see their families and freinds.

Steve

PS: Remember if you are going drink, please don't drive. Tis that time of year for everyone to enjoy family and freinds.

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Posted by: Rudie

December 24, 2009 at 7:36 PM

SLOW DOWN PEOPLES!STOP DRIVING LIKE BAFFOONS IN THIS KIND OF WEATHER! STOP IT! GEEZE! FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DOSEN'T MEAN FOUR WHEEL STOP!PFFFFFT!
Mery Cristmas!

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Posted by: lmg

December 24, 2009 at 2:46 PM

Merry Christmas everyone! Remember, you're probably not the only one who will be late to the Christmas Eve party (if you're going to one) so drive slow and be cautious! Better to get there late than not at all!